Vietnam Customs successfully preliminarily tested the system, part of a Japanese ODA project with total funding of JPY2.661 billion, on November 15, 2013.

Subsequently, they began installation of the system in Hai Phong and Hanoi as of April 1, 2014, and after successful transactional testing, accepted final delivery on April 24.

Regarding the system’s benefits, Sakurai Hiroki, chief consultant of Technical Cooperation Project said that the development of the system is based on Japanese technological models named Nippon Automated Cargo Clearance System (NACCS) and Customs Intelligence System (CIS). They have been modified to adapt to Vietnam’s real conditions.

However, Sakurai Hiroki said there has been congestion for the e-clearance system in Hai Phong, adding that the fact that customs staff is unfamiliar to the use of the system.

Sakurai Hiroki said that users can find it difficult to get used to the system at first but when becoming familiar with the system, they will realize that it is very convenient, efficient and practical.

He added that the system has run smoothly in the process of operation in Japan. With its fast processing speed and high reliability, NACCS is seen as an important part in boosting Japan’s economic development.

In just a second right after customs documents come, the system can respond immediately and provide 24- hour service running 365 days in a year.

Since Vietnam joined the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2007, foreign direct investment (FDI) in the country has increased rapidly. Declaration documents have risen markedly from 1.16 million in 2002 to 4.16 million in 2010, placing a heavy burden on customs officers.

The Vietnam Automated Cargo Clearance System (VNACCS) aims to improve the business environment as it helps reduce administrative costs and the time of handling custom clearance formalities. In addition, it will contribute to stimulating Vietnam’s economic growth and strengthening connectivity between Vietnam and the global economies through ASEAN’s one-stop-shop mechanism.

When the VNACCS/VCIS is officially put into operation in the future, Japan is intent on assisting the Vietnam Customs with risk control in customs check and work with other agencies on creating a legal framework for a national one- stop-shop mechanism.

The support plan will last until April 2015. From now to period ending, Japan will continue supporting the Vietnam Customs in operating the system until when customs officers can master it.

The technical transfer will be conducted rapidly to help Vietnam operate and optimize the system in the coming time, Sakurai Hiroki noted.

VOV