What is the customs clearance procedure? Which service provider is reputable?

For trade between countries to be controlled, regulations are necessary. Importers and exporters must follow customs procedures as prescribed by law. So, what are customs procedures? What is the process for carrying out customs procedures?

What are customs procedures?

Customs procedures are the procedures that allow goods and means of transport to be exported/imported into or imported into a country.

Simply put, importers who want to import goods from abroad into Vietnam must declare them to the Customs authorities. They must prove that the goods are legal, have a verifiable origin, meet quality standards, and are permitted for import into Vietnam.

The purpose of customs declaration procedures is for the government to tightly control goods entering and leaving a country. This directly impacts the production activities of domestic businesses, and Vietnam generally prioritizes exports over imports. Almost every country wants to export more to earn foreign currency.

In addition to goods control, a significant portion of imported goods is subject to taxation upon entering Vietnam. Common taxes include import tax, special consumption tax, VAT, etc.

Responsibilities of the Customs agency

Inspect and monitor goods:

Conduct inspections of goods to ensure compliance with customs regulations and relevant laws.
Monitoring the transportation of goods to prevent smuggling and illegal trafficking across borders.

Combating smuggling:

The organization operates to combat smuggling and ensure national and international security.
Cooperate with other security and functional agencies to prevent smuggling activities.
Implementing tax laws on exported and imported goods:

Applying and enforcing regulations on taxes and related fees for exported and imported goods.
Manage and monitor tax payments to ensure transparency and fairness.
Proposing policies and management measures for the State:

To make recommendations on the State's policies and management measures regarding export, import, exit, entry, and transit activities.
Propose measures to improve and adjust customs regulations to meet market needs and ensure effective management.
Tax policies for exported and imported goods:

Coordinate with relevant agencies to develop and adjust tax policies for exported and imported goods.
Implement policies to support and encourage exports and imports in a way that promotes sustainable and equitable development.

Who is the entity required to declare customs procedures?

According to Government Decree 08/2015/ND-CP, the entities required to make customs declarations include:

Customs clearance agents: Authorized agents who are permitted to handle customs clearance procedures for relevant parties.

International express delivery service providers: Unless otherwise requested by the consignor, these businesses must also carry out customs procedures.

Import and export cargo owners: This includes foreign traders who handle customs procedures through specialized customs clearance agents.

Owners of transport vehicles entering, exiting, or transiting the country: The carrier of goods is also an entity that needs to go through customs procedures.

Authorized representative of the consignor: In cases where the goods are personal gifts, presents, or luggage sent before or after the person entering or leaving the country, the authorized representative must also carry out customs procedures.

Transit service providers: Those providing services related to the transit of goods are also included in the list of entities required to declare to customs.

The step-by-step process for customs clearance of import and export.

Below is a summary of the key steps in the customs clearance process when importing goods:

Step 1: Identify Imported Goods

Identify the type of goods and check if they are on the list of prohibited items or require a permit. Decree 187/2013/ND-CP clearly specifies the types of goods that are permitted and prohibited from import.

Step 2: Sign the Foreign Trade Contract

A sales contract is used to document the details of a purchase and sale transaction. This contract will be required in all customs documents during the customs clearance process. The contract will include the name of the goods, quantity, weight, packaging method, value of the goods, and many other details.

Step 3: Check the Goods Documentation Set

Prepare important documents such as commercial contracts, bills of lading, commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin (C/O), and other related documents.

Step 4: Register for the Specialization Examination

If necessary, register for specialized inspection of goods as required. Not all goods require a specialized inspection registration certificate; for example, imported food requires a food safety certificate.

Step 5: Declare and Transmit the Customs Declaration Form

Prepare your customs declaration on the VNACCS system as early as possible when you have all the necessary documents, ensuring that the information is accurate and complete. Electronic customs declaration requires experienced and highly trained professionals.

Step 6: Obtain the Delivery Order

Prepare the necessary documents to obtain a delivery order from the shipping company or carrier. A complete set of documents should include the following:

Copy of identity card.

Copy of bill of lading.

The original bill of lading has been stamped by the company's management.

Fees.

Step 7: Prepare the Customs Documents

After submitting the declaration, it is necessary to monitor and process it according to the green, yellow, or red channel on the customs system. For the green channel, almost no further action is required; for the yellow channel, a paper copy of the declaration must be submitted to the customs authority; and for the red channel, the goods will be subject to direct inspection.

Step 8: Pay Taxes and Complete Customs Procedures

Pay taxes such as import tax, VAT, and any other applicable taxes.

Step 9: Procedure for changing the order and transferring the goods to the storage warehouse.

Hire transportation and warehousing facilities to store and preserve goods after customs clearance is complete.
The above steps help ensure that the import process is carried out correctly and efficiently, while minimizing risks and costs.

Where can I find a reputable customs clearance service provider? DHD Logistics specializes in providing customs services such as:

• Customs Consulting: We advise clients who need expedited customs clearance but lack experience, enabling them to handle the process themselves.
• Full-service customs clearance: We handle all paperwork related to your shipment, including opening electronic customs declarations and paying taxes. DHD Logistics provides customs clearance services in Hanoi , Da Nang , Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong, and other locations.

Hotline: 0973996659
Website: https://dhdlogistics.com/
Email: cskh.dhdlogistics@gmail.com
Address: 28 Duy Tan Street, Dich Vong Hau Ward, Cau Giay District, Hanoi
791/24 Tran Xuan Soan Street, Tan Hung Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City