Customs sector strengthens anti-smuggling work, promotes import and export

(Chinhphu.vn) - Although import and export have increased sharply and contributed positively to the budget, the fight against smuggling, trade fraud and drugs continues to be a challenge. The Customs sector has implemented many synchronous measures to both ensure customs clearance and prevent violations.

The Customs sector has synchronously deployed many measures to both ensure customs clearance and prevent violations.

Trade flourishes, budget revenue improves

According to the General Department of Customs, in May 2025, the total value of Vietnam's import and export of goods reached 78.64 billion USD, up 5.8% over the previous month, equivalent to an increase of 4.33 billion USD. Of which, the export value reached 39.6 billion USD, up 5.7%; the import value reached 39.04 billion USD, up 5.9%.

In the first 5 months of 2025, the total value of import and export of goods reached 355.79 billion USD, up 15.7% (equivalent to an increase of 48.22 billion USD) over the same period last year. Exports reached 180.23 billion USD (up 14%), imports reached 175.56 billion USD (up 17.5%).

However, Vietnam's trade balance of goods in May 2025 had a surplus of only 551 million USD, down 4.5% compared to April. In the first 5 months, the surplus was 4.67 billion USD, down 46.4% over the same period.

Regarding the state budget revenue from import-export activities in May, it reached VND39,780 billion, down 1.4% (equivalent to a decrease of about VND567 billion) compared to April. Accumulated in 5 months, state budget revenue reached VND182,518 billion, equal to 44.4% of the estimate, up 9.2% over the same period last year.

It can be seen that, although there are still challenges in the trade balance, the growth in turnover and budget revenue reflects the efforts of the Customs sector in facilitating trade, supporting businesses, and at the same time controlling revenue sources well.

Tighten the fight against smuggling, drugs and illegal goods

In parallel with trade facilitation, the Customs Department also focuses strongly on the task of combating smuggling, trade fraud and illegal transportation of goods. In May 2025, forces such as the Police, Customs and Border Guard have increased inspection, supervision and strictly handled violations.

Specifically, 1,247 violations were detected and handled, with an estimated value of infringing goods of up to VND963.5 billion. Although there were 50 fewer cases (equivalent to a 3.85% decrease) compared to the same period, the number of cases prosecuted was 4, the number of cases transferred for prosecution was 7 - an increase of 75%. The state budget revenue from handling violations reached VND37.57 billion.

The sea route continues to be a hot spot with 686/1,247 cases, accounting for 55% of the total number of cases, concentrated at major ports such as Dinh Vu, Cat Lai, Tan Vu, Cai Mep... Common tricks are false declaration of goods name, type, value, HS code, origin to evade taxes.

Notably, drug trafficking activities continue to be complicated, especially on the air route. In May, the Customs sector presided over and coordinated the detection of 12 cases, arrested 9 subjects, and seized 119.36 kg of various drugs. Including 6.59 kg of marijuana, 17.4 kg of heroin, 1.97 kg of ketamine, 49.4 kg of synthetic drugs, and 104 kg of other drugs.

Accumulated from December 15, 2024 to May 14, 2025, 6,453 cases of smuggling and trade fraud were detected and handled, with a total value of infringing goods of about VND 11,294 billion, collecting VND 384.73 billion for the state budget. Of these, 4 cases were prosecuted and 41 cases were transferred for prosecution.

Regarding drugs, in the first 5 months of the year, a total of 76 cases/83 subjects were discovered. The Customs Department presided over 31 cases, the Police 33 cases, and the Border Guard 12 cases. The total amount of drugs seized was approximately 1,899 kg, including 401.7 grams of opium, 73.4 kg of marijuana, 32.2 kg of heroin, 1.8 kg of cocaine, 1,422 kg of ketamine, 263 kg of synthetic drugs, and more than 60,000 other synthetic drug pills.

Mr. Minh

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/nganh-hai-quan-day-manh-cong-tac-phong-chong-buon-lau-thuc-day-xuat-nhap-khau-102250605174626173.htm