Digital transformation advances in Vietnam and Ghana customs systems

Customs administrations in Vietnam and Ghana are implementing digital transformations to modernize trade processes, though with different operational focuses and legal implications.

In Vietnam, a pilot of a centralized customs clearance model has reduced shipment processing times by 12 percent compared to May 2026 and approximately 14 percent compared to the first quarter of 2026. The shift from decentralized management to a unified data platform aims to facilitate trade, reduce costs, and minimize direct contact between businesses and officials through document digitization and AI support.

In Ghana, the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) and AI tools like the Publican AI vetting system have been deployed to automate customs valuation and detect anomalies. While improving efficiency, these automated systems have raised legal questions regarding compliance with the WTO Valuation Agreement and the rule of law, specifically concerning whether pre-programmed valuation data might override legitimate transaction values provided by importers.