Promoting the core role in reform and modernization
On the afternoon of June 27, 2025, the Customs Department held a conference on typical advanced models for the period 2021 - 2025, setting out directions for emulation and reward tasks for the period 2026 - 2030. The conference aims to summarize the results of patriotic emulation, reward work and determine goals and solutions to continue promoting tradition, building a disciplined, modern, effective and efficient Customs force.
Over the past 5 years, the Customs Department has launched a series of emulation movements with each year's theme, associated with the goals of administrative reform, modernization and digital transformation. Units in the entire system have practical initiatives and models. Typically, Quang Ninh Customs with the model of "Skilled Mass Mobilization" in procedure reform; Ho Chi Minh City Customs with solutions to support import-export enterprises; Da Nang and Quang Tri Customs with projects to combat drug and wildlife smuggling.
In the work of reform and digital transformation, the whole industry has reviewed 166 legal documents, proposed cutting many administrative procedures, connecting 100% of administrative procedures with the National Public Service Portal, and expanding the one-stop mechanism between the national and ASEAN. In 2024 alone, the customs system will process nearly 98,000 online records through a one-stop mechanism, contributing to improving management efficiency and facilitating trade.
Budget collection exceeds targets, effectively combating smuggling
In the period of 2021 - 2025, the customs sector continuously exceeded the state budget revenue target. In 2022, it will reach VND 437,351 billion, an increase of nearly 25% over the previous year; in 2024, it will reach VND 420,450 billion, an increase of 15% compared to 2023. As of mid-June 2025, the revenue reached more than 201,000 billion VND, equal to 49% of the estimate for the whole year and increasing by 10.7% over the same period.
Along with that, the fight against smuggling and trade fraud has been vigorously implemented. From 2021 to present, the customs force has detected and handled more than 73,000 violations, including many major cases of drugs, weapons, explosives, etc. The amount of money collected for the budget from fines and anti-smuggling in 2024 reached nearly 900 billion VND - the highest level ever.
Regarding the organization of the apparatus, the Customs Department has strongly streamlined, reducing more than 53% of units, converting from 35 provincial and municipal customs departments to 20 regional customs branches, from 902 units to 417. The arrangement is carried out synchronously, without causing disruption, contributing to improving management efficiency.
The reward work for the period 2021 - 2024 has achieved many positive results with thousands of individuals and groups being awarded forms of reward by the Ministry of Finance, the Government and the President. In particular, many outstanding individuals in anti-smuggling, business support, and customs modernization were honored at the conference.
Speaking at the event, Director Nguyen Van Tho emphasized that the emulation movement for the period 2026 - 2030 will take the theme: "Vietnamese culture Solidarity - Discipline - Innovation - Breakthrough - Development; Emulate efforts to effectively implement Digital Customs, Smart Customs, Green Customs". The goal is to build a modern customs system, applying technology and transparent policies, facilitating trade and sustainable development.
