With Vietnam now implementing a new Customs law, importers say they are having to pay higher storage fees because of the longer process now involved in the examination of goods.
The new Customs Law, which became effective on January 1 this year, requires merchandise to undergo specialized examination at the border gates before it is given customs clearance, forcing importers to keep their goods at port as they await their turn, according to a report by VietnamNet Bridge.
As a result, importers have to pay higher electricity and storage fees, as their import containers have a longer stay because of state agencies’ reportedly slow processing.
According to a senior executive of an import-export company, in general, importers do not have to pay a container storage fee if they leave products at ports for five days. However, they have to pay $42 per day from the sixth and subsequent days.
The deadlock is more serious at Ho Chi Minh City’s (HCMC) ports, especially at Cat Lai port, which has the highest number of goods, said the report
One animal feed producer said it takes from 10 days to 15 days to obtain the document on food safety and other relevant agencies, while seafood importers worry about their products being left for many days at ports under unfavorable conditions.
While imports from Europe come in faster since businesses can make customs declarations before the goods arrive, imports from Asian countries are taking longer to get through.
It takes three days only to carry goods from Thailand to Vietnam, but the deeds only come after five days, said one importer, who added they have to wait seven to 21 days more for the imports to be examined by relevant agencies.
The Saigon Port Customs Agency confirmed that the situation at Cat Lai Port was serious and said that in the meantime, the agency would still use the old regulation, allowing enterprises to carry their goods to their storehouses or reasonable places for storing until they get their customs clearance.
Photo:: Genghiskhanviet
