The customs sector will begin implementing tech-based solutions to achieve the target of paperless customs procedures in 2022, following a directive recently issued by the General Department of Customs. The directive on enhancing administrative reform and simplifying customs procedures is intended to build a digital, smart customs sector. Accordingly, all customs procedures nationwide will be conducted on digital platforms.
As per a press release, the sector will also step-up connectivity and digital transformation through the national single window system. Meanwhile, the government will make consorted efforts to accelerate the implementation of the action plan to promote the ASEAN single-window mechanism, which is linked with the sector’s information-technology system. The sector will build digital customs platforms based on big data and will deploy cutting-edge technologies, striving to take the lead in the government’s national digital transformation plan.
Earlier this month, it was reported that digital transformation is being promoted at border gates, helping settle procedures more quickly while reducing travel time and costs. The Deputy Head of the Lao Cai International Border Gate Customs Office said the unit has been using e-customs declaration at Kim Thanh and Lao Cai Station border gates since 2014. It only takes a few seconds for customs clearance in the green lanes, which has improved the law observance of individuals and enterprises. The Lao Cai Economic Zone Management Board strives to complete digital transformation at the border gates by the end of 2022.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Head of Hoanh Mo Border Gate Customs Office in Quang Ninh province informed that most of the administrative procedures are carried out on the online public service system. This reduces travel time for businesses and helps solve customs-related paperwork more quickly. The Vietnam Automated System for Seaport Customs Management (VASSCM) has been deployed at two seaports and 23 customs-free warehouses. Since the beginning of this year, the Quang Ninh Customs Sub-Department has implemented a customs declaration software for businesses. Users only need to be connected to the Internet to access the customs declaration.
Lang Son is among the leading regions in country in the application of digital technology at the border gates. The province piloted a digital border gate platform at Huu Nghi and Tan Thanh earlier in January. The Director of the provincial Department of Information and Communications noted that the digital border gate platform uses artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and cloud computing. The platform is shared between various authorities, helping cut downtime in conducting necessary procedures and improving transparency in management activities. An official explained that with about 700,000 vehicles entering and leaving the border gate each year, the digital border gate platform has significantly improved procedures as it minimises the workload, time, and costs. It also reduces the risk of COVID-19 spreading.
Approved in June 2020, the national digital transformation programme promotes technology to deliver better quality services, support efficient decision-making, formulate better policies, optimise resources, and aid socio-economic development. Under the plan, the government will operate specialised network infrastructure securely, connect four administrative levels from the central to the commune level, and build a government cloud computing platform, among others.