Digital signatures will be used for e-customs
Import and export firms will begin phasing in the use of digital signatures for the e-customs system this year, according to the Vietnam General Department of Customs (VGDC).
The move forms part of the implementation of a decree that regulates commercial importers and exporters using e-signatures for e-customs procedures.
Director of the VGDC's Customs Information Technology and Statistics Department Nguyen Manh Tung said that digital signatures will help improve security and safety for enterprises in e-customs procedures.
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Tung said at a press conference on October 24 that using digital signatures in e-customs will benefit both commercial importers, exporters and the customs sector.
He added that the sector has asked the Finance Ministry to allow enterprises without digital signatures after the November deadline, to perform customs procedures.
The customs sector is also working with relevant agencies to provide information and training on digital signature procedures nation-wide.
A VGDC representative said that the department has accepted digital signatures provided by e-signature service providers licenced by the Ministry of Information and Communications, including FPT, BKAV, VNPT-CA, Nacencom, CK-CA, Safe-CA, Viettel-CA and SmartSign.
Customs statistics showed that more than 40,000 import and export enterprises this year were using e-customs procedures in 34 customs departments nation-wide. Around 3,000 enterprises have registered digital signatures for e-customs.
By mid of November, the customs sector will test run a new system, called the Vietnam Automated Cargo and Port Consolidated System and the Vietnam Customs Information System (VNACCS/VCIS) that requires digital signature for procedures.
The system is scheduled to be put into operation nation-wide in April next year.