The Dong Dang Economic Zone Authority - Lang Son has the authority to control the costs incurred in the delivery of goods.

On April 4, the Ministry of Finance gave feedback on the fact that import-export businesses believed there were distortions and profiteering when allowing goods to be cleared at the Tan Thanh border gate (Lang Son) to China.

Accordingly, the Ministry of Finance (General Department of Vietnam Customs) said that the Dong Dang Economic Zone Authority - Lang Son is the authority assigned by the People's Committee of Lang Son province to act as the focal point for organizing talks, exchanges and agree with the Chinese side and implement the forwarding processes.

At the same time, the Dong Dang Economic Zone Authority - Lang Son chaired and worked with competent forces at the border gate to promptly handle cases to ensure compliance with regulations on foreign affairs, and to ensure the rights and legitimate interests of related parties; report and propose issues beyond their authority.

Cargo clearance activities at Tan Thanh border gate. Photo: Âu Lê

Accordingly, based on the results of talks between Dong Dang Economic Zone Authority - Lang Son and the People's Government of Pingxiang town (China) on February 18, 2022, Dong Dang Economic Zone Authority - Lang Son developed and promulgated procedures for import and export goods delivery through Huu Nghi – Youyi Guan border gate and through Tan Thanh - Po Chai border gate.

The procedure on goods delivery and receipt are announced to enterprises by the Dong Dang Economic Zone Authority - Lang Son and publicly posted on the website https://langsontrade.vn and piloted from March 1, 2022.

During the implementation process, the import-export businesses reflected that the goods delivery and receipt process did not facilitate import-export activities and incurred a huge amount of costs (due to cutting/connecting containers) for businesses at Tan Thanh border gate

However, in fact, the method of delivery and receipt of goods can only be done at Tan Thanh - Po Chai border gate, while the method of delivery and receipt of goods at Huu Nghi – Youyi Guan border gate is not effective. Therefore, on March 9, 2022, the Dong Dang Economic Zone Authority - Lang Son issued Notice No. 19a/TB-BQLKKTCK suspending the process of delivery and receipt of exported goods through Huu Nghi border gate - Youyi Guan.

Thus, the Ministry of Finance (General Department of Vietnam Customs) believed that the problems reflected by import-export enterprises at Tan Thanh border gate on dissemination, guidance and control of costs incurred in the process of delivery and receipt of import and export goods are under the competence and functions of Dong Dang Economic Zone Authority - Lang Son.