Latest articles

ASEAN Customs Accelerates the implementation of the Strategic Plan of Customs Development for 2026–2030

In the context of deepening regional economic integration, ASEAN Customs is actively implementing the Strategic Plan of Customs Development (SPCD) for 2026–2030, with a range of new orientations aimed at building a modernised, digitalised and efficient customs administration while maximising trade facilitation. As an active member of ASEAN Customs, Viet Nam Customs continues to proactively participate in and contribute to the realisation of the region’s common objectives.

Strengthening Cooperation Mechanisms and Enhancing Coordination Effectiveness

ASEAN Customs plays an important role in the process of building the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), contributing to the facilitation of the movement of goods, services and investment within the region.

Since its establishment in 1995, the ASEAN Directors-General of Customs Meeting has become the central coordination mechanism, providing strategic direction for specialised cooperation activities. Following the decision of ASEAN Leaders at the 9th ASEAN Summit in 2003, the organisational structure of ASEAN Customs has continued to be strengthened and refined towards greater specialisation to meet the requirements of integration in the new period.

The establishment of the Coordinating Committee on Customs (CCC), together with technical working groups on trade facilitation, law enforcement, customs control and capacity building, has laid a solid foundation for the effective implementation of cooperation initiatives across the region.

SPCD 2026–2030: A Comprehensive Strategic Orientation

The Strategic Plan of Customs Development (SPCD) is a five-year action plan that provides strategic direction for ASEAN Customs cooperation activities. The SPCD for 2026–2030, adopted at the 34th Meeting of the ASEAN Directors-General of Customs held in Brunei in June 2025, identifies five key areas of initiatives, including:

• Simplification, harmonisation and modernisation of customs procedures;
• Promotion of digital transformation and the application of information technology;
• Strengthening risk management and customs control;
• Proactively responding to emerging trends such as the circular economy and green development;
• Enhancing the capacity of customs officials.

The effective implementation of the SPCD is expected to promote intra-ASEAN trade, enhance the region’s competitiveness and make positive contributions to the process of international economic integration.

Expanding international cooperation and enhancing implementation capacity

Within the framework of the SPCD, ASEAN Customs continues to strengthen cooperation with partners such as Australia, China, Japan and the Republic of Korea, focusing on technical assistance, human resource training, experience sharing and the implementation of practical cooperation programmes.

Initiatives on information exchange for risk management and customs control, as well as training programmes for middle-level management officials, have delivered positive results, contributing to enhancing the management capacity of customs administrations across the region.

Head of delegations of ASEAN Customs administrations at the 35^th Meeting of the ASEAN Directors-General of Customs on 2-4 June 2026 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Viet Nam Customs proactively implements the SPCD

As an active member of ASEAN Customs, Viet Nam Customs has been proactively implementing the contents of the SPCD for 2026–2030 while integrating its objectives into the country’s domestic customs reform and modernisation programmes.

In the area of trade facilitation, Viet Nam Customs continues to improve the National Single Window, strengthen connectivity with the ASEAN Single Window, promote the application of risk management and develop electronic customs procedures.

In terms of customs control, Viet Nam Customs continues to apply technology in supervision and inspection, while strengthening coordination with ASEAN customs administrations and international partners to prevent and combat smuggling, trade fraud and the illegal transportation of goods across borders.

In parallel, training and human resource development continue to receive due attention through participation in regional and international cooperation programmes, contributing to improving the quality of the workforce to meet the requirements of modern customs management.

Viet Nam Customs at the 35^th Meeting of ASEAN Directors-General of Customs on 2-4 June 2026 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Promoting Dialogue with the Business Community

One of the issues receiving attention from both ASEAN Customs and Viet Nam Customs is the maintenance of regular dialogue mechanisms with the business community in order to promptly address difficulties and obstacles while improving the investment and business environment.

Through consultation meetings and business dialogues, customs authorities listen to the views of the business community and consider its proposals to improve policies and facilitate trade while ensuring compliance with state management requirements in the customs sector.

Affirming the roles in integration and development

The implementation of the SPCD for 2026–2030 marks an important step forward in the process of modernising customs administrations across the region, towards building a transparent, secure and facilitative trading environment.

Through its proactive and active participation, Viet Nam Customs continues to affirm its role as a responsible member of ASEAN Customs, contributing to the successful achievement of the objectives of the ASEAN Economic Community while enhancing the standing of Viet Nam Customs in the region and on the international stage.