Shorter customs clearance times and more transparent procedures are among the remarkable results of the first phase of the implementation of the Vietnam Automated Cargo Clearance System.
"The General Department of Vietnam Customs started a survey on businesses. 300 out of 500 surveyed businesses gave us feedback, most of which were quite positive. The number of businesses being satisfied with the new system is high." - Au Anh Tuan, Deputy Director, Customs Control & Supervision Department, General Department of Vietnam Customs.
According to the survey, 97% of businesses are satisfied with the time it takes to process customs. 90% of businesses were satisfied in terms of system stability and accessibility. VNACCS also helps businesses make more accurate custom declarations thanks to its automatic functions. The system also allows businesses to make better import-export plans as they can choose when to make declarations.
"However, VNACCS still has its shortcomings. Some businesses face difficulties in installing the software to connect to the system and in keeping track of the status of their submitted documents." - Makoto Kato, JICA Chief Advisor for Vietnam Customs.
"Not everyone can install the software because there are several technical parts that only IT staff can process." - Nghiem Quang Ha, Trade Analyst, Microsoft
"After clearance, businesses often can’t check if their declarations had finished processing or not. Some businesses cancelled their declarations but the cancellations weren’t confirmed by the system." - Trieu Van Nghe, Customs Brokerage Manager, Hankyu Hanshin Express Vietnam Co. Ltd.
Vietnam Customs stated that only 50% of VNACCS’ functions have been utilised so far due to limitations in the legal basis and connections with other state agencies. Easing these limitations to successfully implement the National Single Window a top priority for Vietnam Customs and an objective of the second phase of VNACCS implementation.
