Developing a smart customs model

In response to the need for faster handling of administrative procedures in the customs sector and to facilitate businesses in quickly clearing goods and expanding import–export activities, the customs sector in Dong Nai province is accelerating digital transformation efforts toward completing a smart customs model.

Customs officers inspect electronic seals used to control import–export goods at Phuoc An Port in Nhon Trach commune, Dong Nai province.

According to the Customs Sub-Department of Region XVIII (the unit managing customs operations in Dong Nai province), 100% of customs procedures have now been basically digitized across the entire system, from ministries and central agencies to local authorities through the National Single Window mechanism. The customs sector has also implemented the exchange of electronic preferential certificates of origin (Form D) with ASEAN countries through the ASEAN Single Window mechanism. Together with the active participation of businesses in digital transformation, reaching more than 99.6 percent, the customs sector has achieved notable results in promoting digital transformation and developing a modern smart customs model.

Digital transformation in customs operations

In 2025, customs units under the Customs Sub-Department of Region XVIII received and processed nearly three million administrative procedure dossiers on schedule through customs operational systems. Among them, nearly two million import–export declarations were processed, an increase of about 31 percent compared with 2024. Specifically, import declarations reached nearly 740,000, up 30 percent, while export declarations totaled 1.25 million, up 31 percent.

To achieve these remarkable results, the customs sector has promoted administrative reform, focused on digital transformation, and improved service quality and efficiency for businesses. In particular, following Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW dated December 22, 2024 issued by the Politburo on breakthroughs in the development of science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation, the customs sector has intensified efforts to apply science and technology to customs management.

Nguyen Tieu Long, Deputy Head of the Information Technology Division of the Customs Sub-Department of Region XVIII, said that the customs sector has developed and operated an information technology system to implement a digital customs system using modern, secure, and stable technologies. Digital transformation has been deployed across all customs units nationwide, meeting state management requirements while enabling paperless customs procedures and contributing to the comprehensive digital transformation of customs administration.

Specifically, digital customs is applied in activities such as the export, import, and transit of goods, as well as the entry, exit, and transit of people, luggage, and means of transport from the initial stage to the final stage. At the same time, the customs sector has strengthened information connectivity and sharing with other state management agencies in order to manage cross-border transport and transactions through the National Single Window mechanism.

In 2025, total state budget revenue from import–export activities under the Customs Sub-Department of Region XVIII reached nearly 22.8 trillion VND, exceeding the annual estimate. 100% of the total state budget revenue from customs duties, late payment penalties, imposed taxes, and administrative penalties was collected through the 24/7 electronic tax collection system.

Creating a favorable environment for businesses

Alongside its management tasks, the customs sector has also strengthened the provision of online public services, administrative reform, and IT application throughout all professional processes. The rate of administrative procedure dossiers received and processed online has reached a very high level, helping significantly shorten customs clearance time, enhance transparency, and reduce compliance costs for businesses.

Within the management area of the Customs Sub-Department of Region XVIII, the number of declarations, import-export turnover, and the number of enterprises engaged in import-export activities continue to increase. Although notable achievements have been recorded, the customs sector acknowledges that occasional technical issues in the information technology system have caused delays. To address these limitations, the customs sector is continuing to improve and gradually complete its management systems to ensure more efficient customs procedures nationwide and in Dong Nai province in particular.

Dien Khon Truong, representative of the Taiwan Business Association in Dong Nai, said that Taiwanese enterprises in the province have recently received timely support and cooperation from customs authorities in import-export clearance activities. Thanks to this support, import–export production and business activities of Taiwanese enterprises have remained stable and effective. With this cooperative spirit, Taiwanese enterprises in Dong Nai are also fully aware of their responsibilities in complying with laws, adhering to customs regulations, and actively coordinating with state management agencies to ensure stable and lawful production and business operations.

By Ngoc Lien – Translated by Minh Hong, Thu Ha