A working delegation from the committee has conducted inspections across major import-export hubs, calling for stronger technology applications, tighter inter-agency coordination and proactive measures to deter increasingly sophisticated violations.
Inspections tighten at Quy Nhon seaport cluster
Last week, the delegation, led by Deputy Chief Vuong Truong Nam, held a brief meeting with functional units at the Quy Nhon seaport cluster before carrying out field inspections at Thi Nai Port, Tan Cang Mien Trung, and Quy Nhon Port, the region’s busiest cargo gateways.
At Quy Nhon Port, the team examined customs supervision procedures, including IT systems, surveillance cameras, and the Vietnam Automated System for Seaport Customs Management (VASSCM). Checks also covered vehicle and goods inspection processes, anchorage areas, patrol boats, the Customs Control Team headquarters, container yards, bulk cargo zones, wharves and warehouse systems.
Through on-site surveys, the delegation noted that port layouts and cargo control procedures were implemented “relatively strictly,” reducing risks of smuggling or fraud. Nam commended the proactive coordination among seaport forces and urged continued enhancement of technology use and early detection of emerging fraud methods.
Border forces intensify patrols ahead of Tet
Lieutenant Colonel Pham Bao An of the Provincial Border Guard Command said forces had deployed high-intensity patrol plans before, during and after Tet to ensure full area coverage.
At the Le Thanh International Border Gate, a key trade link with Cambodia’s Oyadav Border Gate in Ratanakiri province, customs, border guard, police and market management forces maintained round-the-clock shifts and strict checks on people and vehicles to ensure compliant clearance.
The vast, mountainous terrain with numerous trails and openings continues to pose high risks of illicit goods movement.
Sharp surge in trade activity heightens pressure
Import-export activity at Le Thanh climbed sharply in 2025: 69 enterprises completed customs procedures (up 13 from 2024); 7,022 declarations processed (up 75.9%); trade turnover reached USD 547.2 million, up 117.7% year-on-year.
At the Hoi Phu Ward clearance point, turnover hit USD 331.7 million, nearly seven times higher, adding significant management pressure.
Despite not being a major “hot spot,” smuggling risks persist, especially at night and during the year-end period. From 15 December 2024 to 14 December 2025, authorities conducted 161 patrols (exceeding targets by 7.3%). The value of detected violations totalled VND 4.36 billion (approx. USD 176,000), 22.9 times higher than assigned targets.
Authorities call for stronger discipline and monitoring
During a working session on 29 January, enforcement forces highlighted challenges including limited manpower, difficult terrain, widespread trails and waterways, and increasing demand for trade facilitation.
Nam praised the forces for ensuring both smooth customs clearance and effective violation control. He instructed units to reinforce discipline, strengthen intelligence gathering, expand monitoring coverage, and intensify patrols across trails and strategic areas.
Key targets for control before, during and after the 2026 Lunar New Year include fireworks, counterfeit currency, drugs, foreign cigarettes, alcohol, consumer goods, livestock and poultry-aimed at preventing new smuggling hot spots from emerging.