Customs procedures streamlined at Sai Gon & Hai Phong ports
Ha Noi, Oct. 17 (VNA) -- Exports and importers are breathing a sigh of relief as officials start to streamline a host of cumbersome administrative requirements for customs.
Some 17 steps in the customs process will be cut to just five under the new rules.
All export goods will be checked at the border gate, not on commercial premises - in a bid to eradicate the potential for bribes.
Customs officials will not be allowed to escort the goods to the exit port and the number of officials required to supervise will be dramatically reduced.
The General Customs Department (GCD) kicked off a trial of the new procedures at two busy ports on Oct. 15.
Sai Gon Port's Area No. 1 and Hai phong Port's Area No. 2 will be the first to try out the new streamlined procedures.
The trial is designed to iron out problems and ensure a smooth introduction of the new Customs Law, passed by the National Assembly in June, which comes into effect on January 1 next year.
The most significant change is that exporters and importers won't have to deal with so many customs officials.--VNA
