Vietnam Customs reviews decentralized import-export procedures

Vietnam Customs has conducted a review of administrative procedures related to the import-export of goods and transport vehicles. This review aims to update implementation plans for the National Single Window expansion project and the ASEAN Single Window connection (Phase 3) to align with new authorities granted to ministries and local governments.

Following a government policy to promote decentralization, 556 administrative procedures were transferred from central to local authorities in 2025 through 28 decrees. Of these, 65 out of 188 procedures on the National Single Window have been decentralized to local levels. Further decrees are expected in 2026 to transfer an additional 134 procedures.

The decentralized procedures span several sectors:

• Agriculture and Environment: Animal and plant quarantine, veterinary services, and fishery inspections. • Industry and Trade: Chemical management, import-export, transit, and Certificates of Origin (C/O). • Health: Food safety, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and medical equipment inspections. • Construction: Road transport vehicle procedures, managed by provincial People's Committees. • Science and Technology: Quality inspections of managed goods. • Culture, Sports and Tourism: Publication-related procedures.