Vietnam Seaports Association
All import-export shipments transported by containers are now officially tracked by customs agencies via Global Positioning System (GPS) devices following a decision by the General Department of Customs, effective from this month.
The General Department of Customs issued Decision 2031/QD-TCHQ introducing regulations on the use of GPS in managing and inspecting containerized goods that are transferred from port to port, temporarily imported for re-export and transited in the country.
In June the department told its customs offices to strengthen management and supervision using this technology.
GPS devices will be installed on container trucks to avoid smuggling and commercial fraud during the transportation process. GPS chips are capable of transmitting warning signals when containers are unsealed or opened, as well as locating the truck position on its journey from port to port.
This monitoring system will record the entire routes of containers and immediately send warning messages to the customs agencies if the trucks are in the wrong direction or exceeding the parking time limit. It also reports information about the container trucks’ journey, time schedule, parking location and so on.
At first, the customs departments in Haiphong City and Quang Ninh Province will run a pilot project of using GPS devices in their cargo inspections. After the trial use in these two locations, the General Department of Customs will expand the use of GPS to HCMC, Hanoi, Lang Son, Vung Tau, Danang, Quang Tri and other regions.
Source: The Saigon Times
