The Ministry of Finance and the General Department of Vietnam Customs officially put into operation December 11 the Vietnam Automated System for Seaport Customs Management (VASSCM) in the northern port city of Hai Phong.
Deputy Finance Minister Vu Thi Mai said the system is integrated into the National Single Window (NSW) system and the Vietnam Automated Cargo and Port Consolidated System and the Vietnam Customs Information System (VNACCS/VCIS), according to a report by state-run VNA.
With the implementation of VASSCM, customs agencies can monitor imports and exports at seaports and warehouses and track the history of consignments after they arrive in Vietnam.
According to Nguyen Tien Loc, head of Hai Phong’s Customs Department, the VASSCM has proven to be effective since its pilot run was implemented on August 15.
Hai Phong handles around 1.3 million declarations a year, and the VASSCM can reduce total clearance time at the port by about 40,000 hours.
The VASSCM has also helped enterprises to increase business and production efficiency, improving their competitiveness, Loc said.
Vietnam Customs said the VASSCM will soon be rolled out across the nation.
So far, the system has reportedly been connected to 50 ports, warehouses, and yard operators that regularly engage in import-export activities in the Hai Phong port area.
Vice chairman of the Hai Phong City People’s Committee Nguyen Xuan Binh said the implementation of the system is seen to contribute to trade facilitation for people and enterprises, time and cost savings, transparency, and prevention of smuggling.
Photo: Minhvnhp
