Decision No. 448/QD-TTg dated March 25, 2011 of the Prime Minister approving the Strategy for Customs development through 2020

THE PRIME MINISTER APPROVED THE STRATEGY FOR CUSTOMS DEVELOPMENT THROUGH 2020

The Prime Minister promulgated Decision No. 448/QD-TTg dated March 25, 2011 approving the Strategy for Customs development through 2020 in viewpoint taking reform and modernization as the foundation, concentrating investment on customs modernization in key regions and areas, while taking into account balances and harmonious development between regions and areas lo ensure overall development and modernization of Vietnam Customs.

Namely, to strive for the target that by 2020, customs procedures and customs administration regimes will be basically simple, effective, harmonious and compliant with international standards and practices; customs procedures in key regions will be mainly carried out electronically; information will be exchanged prior to arrival of goods, payment and license administration will be conducted electronically; the mechanism for enterprises to enjoy special priority in customs procedures and security according to World Customs Organization (WCO) standards will be introduced; and the risk management method will be applied systematically in all customs steps.

Besides, to organize and improve basic professional work and prevent and combat with focuses and effectiveness cross-border smuggling and transportation of banned goods. To implement international commitments on anti-terrorism and anti-money laundering activities, protect intellectual property rights and enter into customs cooperation on joint control. To apply technical barriers in accordance with law and international practices.

This Decision also raised a number of specific targets to be achieved by the Customs service in the future as follows: By 2015, 100% of provincial- and district-level Customs Departments in key areas (international seaports, airports and road border gates and key economic regions), 60% of basic customs operations, 70% of import and export value, and 60% of enterprises will apply e-customs procedures. By 2020, 100% of provincial- and district-level Customs Departments, 100% of basic customs operations, 90% of import and export value, and 80% of enterprises will apply e-customs procedures.

Moreover, by 2015, the customs clearance time for goods will equal the year 2010*s average level in advanced Southeast Asian countries and by 2020, it will equal that level at the same point of time. The rate of physical goods inspection will be below 10% by 2015, and below 7% by 2020. The proportion of import and export permits granted under the national customs single-window mechanism will be 50% and 90% by 2015 and 2020, respectively…