This announcement was made on 22/6, following the Ministry of Finance's Decision 2019 issued on 11/6. This document amends the organizational structure, functions, and powers of the customs system, aiming for a streamlined, professional, and modern model.

Tan Son Nhat Airport. Photo: ITA

Customs Branch II (formerly Ho Chi Minh City) and Customs Branch XVIII (Dong Nai) will no longer be responsible for Tan Son Nhat, Long Thanh airports, and express delivery services. These areas are now consolidated under Customs Region XV, headquartered in Ho Chi Minh City.

A key change in Decision 2019 allows the Director General of Customs to decide on the organization of subordinate branches, after consulting with the Ministry of Finance. This allows each region greater autonomy in organization, operation, and adaptation to practical conditions.

For the first time, Vietnam's two largest international airports are under the management of a single customs branch, a model used in countries like Singapore, South Korea, and China. This centralized approach aims to enhance import-export control, combat smuggling, and other legal violations at airport customs points, which handle substantial volumes of goods and passengers.

The 5,000-hectare Long Thanh Airport project, with a total investment of approximately 336,630 trillion VND, commenced in early 2021. Phase 1 involves constructing a 4,000-meter long, 75-meter wide runway, a passenger terminal, and supporting facilities with a capacity of 25 million passengers and 1.2 million tons of cargo annually.

Phases 2 and 3 will further expand Long Thanh Airport to accommodate 50 million and 100 million passengers annually, respectively, more than tripling the capacity of Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat airports.

With Long Thanh Airport's trial operation scheduled for 2026, this early management handover demonstrates proactive preparation by the customs sector, ensuring readiness for any operational issues.

Tan Son Nhat Airport currently has three terminals: T1, T3 (domestic), and T2 (international), with a total capacity of 50 million passengers per year.

Along with these functional adjustments, the Ministry of Finance also announced a list of 20 regional customs branches nationwide, redefining their jurisdictions and headquarters to align with provincial administrative units. This list became effective on 11/6.

The Ministry of Finance mandates the completion of the handover and reorganization before 1/7/2025, ensuring seamless operations and minimal disruption to businesses and individuals.

>> 20 customs units with new jurisdictions and headquarters

Nhat Vy