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The Vietnam e-Commerce Portal is ready for operation

VCN- That was the content announced at the conference on introduction of the Vietnam e-Commerce Portal held by the General Department of Vietnam Customs together with the World Bank and the PM Group Company on the morning of March 2, 2017.  

the vietnam e commerce portal is ready for operation
The conference Photo: H.N

Speaking at the conference, Mr.Nguyen Toan, the Director of International Cooperation Department under the General Department of Vietnam Customs said, the Trade Facilitation Agreement of the World Trade Organization (WTO) officially took effect from February 22, 2017) for all member economies including Vietnam.

According to commitments in Article 1 on announcing and providing information on the TFA Agreement of WTO: “Each member economy shall promptly publish information relating to import and export and transit procedures, tax rates, fees, the rules of goods classification, the regulations relating to origin principles and banned or restricted imports, and penalties, complaints and prosecution in import and export procedures; and the agreements or part of the agreement relating to import and export and transit procedures”.

For this requirement and strong development trend of electronic networks as well as the benefits from electronization, each member economy including Vietnam needs to build an electronic website to publish and provide the information under the requirements in the Agreements.

The construction of the website not only meets Vietnam’s commitments in the TFA Agreement of WTO but also is a useful tool to further facilitate the parties interested in imports and exports and transits with Vietnam, and also as a tool to transparentize, the required trend in most international agreements which Vietnam is a member and also to catch up with the trend of the World Customs – Digital Customs 2016, Mr.Nguyen Toan said.

The portal will fully provide the information relating to the management of Vietnam’s export and imports and information on the policies of the State management ministries, agencies on imports and exports.

According to Mr. Chris Lewis-Joner, the Head of Consulting and Project Management team, the Vietnam e-Commerce Portal is a single window information website providing a window for businesses to access easily, logically and effectively information on import-export regulations and procedures and also being an important step to improve the predictability and transparency of the commerce rules and processes.

The Vietnam Commerce Portal is suitable with the Vietnam’s commitments to meet WTO’s standards on compliance Article 1 of the Trade Facilitation Agreement and Article X of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). The Vietnam Commerce Portal is also a tool to support for the Government and other relevant parties to reduce, modernize and simplify the import and export declaration process in line with international practice.

Currently, the construction process of the Vietnam Commerce Portal is completed and ready to be launched in the second quarter of 2017, Mr. Chris Lewis-Joner stressed.

By Dao Le/ Ngoc Loan

Source: http://customsnews.vn/

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3 OPTIONS FOR ENTERPRISES TO CHOOSE E-CUSTOMS DECLARATION SOFTWARE

VCN – To declare e-Customs through VNACCS/VCIS system, there are 3 options for the business community to choose e-Customs declaration software.

3 options for enterprises to choose e customs declaration software

Support department of the General Department of Customs maintain to receive obstacles and support and guide enterprises 27/4. Photo: T. Binh

Recently, Nam Ha Garment JSC (Nam Dinh province) has reflected that when the company wants to use the e-Customs declaration software, the Nam Dinh Customs Branch (the Ha Nam Ninh Customs Department) requested the company to buy the software as indicated.

Related to the above issue, according to the Customs IT and Statistics Department (the General Department of Customs), the businesses can choose to use the software under one of the following options for electronic customs declarations:

The first option is that business use the free software provided by the General Department of Customs. This software and instructions can be downloaded from the Vietnam Customs Portal ( (https://www.customs.gov.vn)

The second option is using the services of IT companies which were certified by the General Department of Customs on standard conformance. These companies are: FPT FPS information system Co., Ltd; Thai Son technological development Co., Ltd; G.O.L Information and Technology Trade and Service Co., Ltd; Softech JSC; TS24 JSC.

The third option is that business actively develop a connection software in accordance with the connection standards of the General Department of Customs posted on the Vietnam Customs Portal.

In addition, according to the Customs IT and Statistics Department, the business can contact the Support Division of the General Department of Customs under the E-mail: bophanhotrotchq@customs.gov.vn or telephone number: 043.7824757 for any questions.

Talking with a Customs reporter on 27 February, 2017, the leaders of Nam Dinh Customs Branch added that the problems of business were handled and the fact that the problems of business were related to the annual maintenance costs, not related to the e-Customs declaration software.

By Thai Binh/ Huyen Trang

Source: http://customsnews.vn/

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HOW TO USE PUBLIC ONLINE SERVICES OF CUSTOMS

VCN- From 1st March 2017, 41 administrative procedures in the field of Customs will be received and returned the results through the public online services system at the address: http://pus.customs.gov.vn  In order to perform public online services, what should enterprises do?

su dung dich vu cong truc tuyen cua nganh hai quan the nao
Operational activities at the Lang Son Customs Department. Photo: T.B.

41 procedures formally implemented

Speaking to a reporter of the Customs Newspaper, a representative of the Customs Portal Management Division (the IT and Customs Statistics Department under the General Department of Vietnam Customs) said that currently, Customs had implemented 73 administrative procedures at level 3 and level 4 through the VNACCS/VCIS system and the electronic payment portal. They are mostly core procedures in the field of Customs related to Customs declaration and payment of taxes and charges.

According to the plan of the General Department of Vietnam Customs on implementation of public online services, by the end of 2016, Vietnam Customs had provided 46 procedures in public online services (including 5 procedures conducted on the National Single Window). In 2017, Vietnam Customs will conduct 49 remaining procedures so that 100% of administrative procedures in the field of Customs are provided on the electronic environment at level 3 and level 4.

Besides, the Ministry of Finance has requested Customs authorities to use electronic documents and administrative records as follows: Customs authorities use electronic documents and administrative records in the public online services system for inspections and handling as prescribed. In the case where administrative records include documents which must be submitted to Customs authorities as prescribed in the Law or documents which must be certified by Customs authorities to perform administrative procedures, Customs authorities have to inform enterprises in the public online services system to provide additional documents before returning results.

In order to fulfill the request of the Government and the Ministry of Finance, the General Department of Vietnam Customs has selected 41 administrative procedures to implement in the public online services system. According to the leader of the Customs Portal Management Division, these 41 administrative procedures are mainly implemented in local Customs Departments and Customs Branches. In particular, administrative procedures implemented in Customs Branches mainly are: procedures for canceling Customs declarations; procedures supplementing information on Customs declarations; procedures for certifying the origin of imported automobiles and two-wheeled vehicles; classification of various kinds of machines; certified true copy of Customs declarations; procedures for tax refund according to Circular 38/2015/TT-BTC; tax reduction for goods which are damaged or lost in the surveillance process and tax reduction for gifts and samples.

The leader of the Customs Portal Management Division added that the formal implementation of public online services met the requirements of e-Government and was also an important step in the reform and facilitation of the business community to implement administrative procedures in Customs. Specifically, in the case where records should be amended or supplemented, it will take enterprises much time to accomplish if they work directly instead of using public online services. Accordingly, enterprises now can easily use online trading methods based on the Internet.

What should enterprises do?

In fact, the implementation of administrative procedures through the public online services system is fairly simple. Firstly, businesses or individuals should have an account which has been already registered with the Customs office (an account on the VNACCS/VCIS system or a new account registered through the public online services system).

Secondly, after having an account, businesses or individuals should prepare dossiers as prescribed in the Law. Then, they shall declare and submit as instructed in the public online services system.

Many enterprises which want to cancel declarations are instructed through the public online services system with details as follows: The order of implementation; how to perform; and the number of records.

The leader of the Customs Portal Management Division said that, to prepare for the official implementation of the public online services system on 1st March 2017, the General Department of Vietnam Customs had tested the system for two months (November 2016 and December 2016) and conducted a pilot operation in January 2017 and February 2017. In 2 months of pilot operation, the public online services system received more than 900 records. The reception of records and operation of the system has been stable and secure for formal implementation.

By Thai Binh/ Hoang Anh

Source: http://customsnews.vn/

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COSCO Corporation’s Full-Year Loss Widens

COSCO Corporation (Singapore) Limited, a shipbuilding, marine engineering and dry bulk shipping group, saw a net loss of SGD 976.1 million (USD 695.5 million) in 2016, against a net loss of SGD 914.8 million (USD 651.8 million) recorded in 2015, mainly due to losses in shipyard in shipping operations. 

COSCO’s revenue decreased by 27.3% to SGD 2.6 billion in 2016 from SGD 3.5 billion in 2015 due to a decline in shipyard and shipping revenue.

Revenue from shipyard operations dropped by 27.4% to SGD 2.5 billion in 2016 from SGD 3.5 billion in 2015, owing to lower revenue contribution from ship repair, shipbuilding and marine engineering.

Additionally, revenue from dry bulk shipping and other businesses went down by 22.6% from SGD 39.4 million in 2015 to SGD 30.5 million in 2016.

The group said it continues to face challenging market conditions in the shipbuilding, shipping and offshore marine industry.

Due to the overcapacity in the shipbuilding industry amidst a weak global economy, the group’s shipyards have had fewer orders and lower contract prices. Additionally, the firm said it faced delivery extensions and cancellations. Subdued global economic conditions have also led to depressed shipping rates for COSCO’s dry bulk fleet.

As of 31 December 2016, COSCO’s gross order book stood at approximately USD 6.4 billion, with deliveries until 2019.

Subdued global economic conditions have also led to depressed shipping rates for COSCO’s dry bulk fleet. In October 2016 and February 2017, COSCO scrapped two of its dry bulk carriers and may consider scrapping more bulkers in 2017.

In the outlook for 2017, COSCO predicts that the shipbuilding and shipping segments will continue to be highly challenging.

Source: http://worldmaritimenews.com/

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YUSEN LOGISTICS ACQUIRES EUROPEAN AUTOMOTIVE LOGISTICS PROVIDER TRANSFREIGHT

Third-party provider Yusen Logistics (Europe) BV has purchased Transfreight Automotive Logistics Europe for an undisclosed sum in an effort to expand its vehicle transport support and operations offerings.

Faced with increasing demand for its high quality solutions in the sector, this acquisition of Transfreight provides a superb platform for continued growth for Yusen Logistics.

The Transfreight business dovetails well with Yusen Logistics’ award-winning pan European automotive offering.

Both companies offer industry leading expertise in cross-docking, transportation and manufacturing plant logistical support and operations, but with complementary regional scope.

Ian Veitch, CRO Yusen Logistics Europe, commented: “This business offers an excellent fit for Yusen Logistics, with shared customers and service offer, but with a regional focus which complements Yusen’s infrastructure.”

“This business offers an excellent fit for Yusen Logistics”Ian Veitch, CRO Yusen Logistics Europe

“Customers from both our companies will benefit from the combined organisation’s industry expertise and broad based supply chain solutions, as well as new team members.”

This expanded infrastructure will enhance Yusen’s existing automotive network capability by adding key network consolidation points in Western Europe, as well as multi-modal possibilities running between Northern and Southern Europe.

In particular, the acquisition boosts Yusen Logistics’ footprint and skill base in Northern France, an area where many automotive tier one suppliers and OEMs are located.

Yusen Logistics’ award winning automotive network extends from Poland to Portugal; Ukraine to UK, and currently handles in excess of 6 million cubic metres or 1.3 million tons of materials per annum on behalf of leading OEMS and tiered suppliers in Europe.

Source: http://www.supplychain247.com/

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CONTAINER SHIPPING LINES SIGN UP WITH ALIBABA TO OFFER ONLINE BOOKING

SHANGHAI — Two container shipping lines, France’s CMA CGM and Israel’s Zim, have signed up with Alibaba to allow customers to book space on their vessels through the Chinese e-commerce giant, in a bid to boost sales as the sector battles a severe downturn.

Container lines, facing their worst ever downturn due to a glut of ships and weaker demand, are pursuing several measures such as vessel-sharing arrangements or mergers and acquisitions to ride out the current slump. A growing number of logistics firms are going online to buoy their business.

In December, Maersk – the world’s largest container shipping line and a unit of Denmark’s A.P. Moller-Maersk – started offering online booking services to Chinese shippers on Alibaba’s OneTouch website.

Shippers traditionally go through freight forwarders to book space for goods on container vessels, but more liners are allowing cargo owners to book directly via the internet. As for e-commerce companies, they are venturing into logistics to try to gain better control over their supply chain networks.

“Alibaba.com is open to collaborating with logistics firms who want to join our platform which aims to streamline the logistics process for small and medium-sized enterprises and empower them to seize cross-border trade opportunities,” an Alibaba spokeswoman told Reuters in an e-mail on Thursday.

Israeli shipping line Zim, which is 32 percent owned by Kenon Holdings, has begun allowing customers to book space through the platform on routes such as Shanghai to India and Pakistan, or from Xiamen to South America, according to advertisements posted on the OneTouch platform.

France’s CMA CGM has signed a memorandum of understanding with Alibaba to begin cooperating on the OneTouch platform for routes such as Qingdao to Barcelona or Ningbo to Venice, it said in a statement.

Acquired by Alibaba in 2010, OneTouch targets small and medium-sized Chinese exporters with online services such as customs clearance and logistics. It also allows them to book air freight and parcel delivery services and supports its parent Alibaba.com’s business-to-business marketplace.

Maersk has begun offering a similar service to customers of online freight forwarding website Yun Qu Na, it said in an e-mail to Reuters on Thursday. The liner said in January that it planned to launch more pilot programs on third party portals.

(Reporting by Brenda Goh; Editing by Himani Sarkar)
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/

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How to Save Freight Cost?

One of the most important factors with international sourcing is how to reduce costs, specifically shipping costs.

Whether you own a small business, or a big company, whether you are new to importing, or already veteran there, managing shipping and saving freight cost directly affects your business’s bottom line.

save-freight-cost

Every dollar saved in transportation translates to an equal improvement in financial performance. Overpaying in logistics means you can’t provide consistent and cost-effective delivery to your customers.

1. Plan Ahead

Last minute shipping is always expensive. If you require an express freight with short deadlines, chances are you will be charged extra.

By planning in advance you can not only avoid overpaying, but also take advantage of some nice discounts. This can give you time to plan for storage when it’s needed and overall make you more flexible in terms of choosing a carrier and tariff.

save-freight-cost-plan-aheadPlan ahead means you will have enough time to choose the suitable transportation method, find a good freight forwarder and leave you and your customers better preparation. All other shipping strategies for saving cost are based on this.Nonetheless, importers looking to move product during the holidays are advised to allow extra lead time and book early.

 

2. Find Suitable Shipping Method

There are several cargo types. Transporting goods by sea or air, courier or air, can be a complicated operation for business owners who haven’t explored every transportation ways and the costs associated with them. Some of the most common mistakes are not knowing which freight means to choose.

By Sea or By Air?

Sea freight is predominantly utilized for large international shipments that are not overly time critical.

Air freight is typically utilized for emergency shipments, small and light quantities, and items that require higher security.

Air shipment charges are often the most expensive; however, on occasion, you might find that additional spendings will save you millions in customer satisfaction during urgent situations.

FCL or LCL?

We strongly suggest FCL (full container load) if possible. LCL (less than container load) charges more than FCL in unit price. The workload is actually higher when managing LCL shipment. But please note, the LCL charges maybe too much higher than you imagine. 

Also, choose FCL can avoid the hidden Fees in international shipping. There are many items in LCL charges. Some of them are not uniform standard. The sad thing is that you can’t distinguish. So the best solution is trying to avoid LCL.

Air Freight Airport to Airport or Express Courier to Door?

Airlines and courier provider (UPS/DHL/FedEx) both will use chargeable weight.

Adjust your packing sizes to avoid dimensional weight (DIM) and oversize surcharges. These extra fees are calculated on the relationship between package weight and package size. Once you understand how these billing rules work, you may be able to adjust the length, width or height of your packing solutions to eliminate the extra costs. Common tips:

  • Choose courier service if the chargeable weight is under 45kg.
  • Choose courier service if the chargeable weight is under 100kg at most times.
  • Choose air freight if the chargeable weight is at least 100kg.

3. Find A Local Transport Company

Choose the incoterm FOB and find a local freight forwarder to manage your cargo transportation will benefit you a lot.

The lower labor cost, lower exchange rate, lower expenses and other factors, make forwarders’ service charge much cheaper. The situation here allows them to work out the best pricing based on your requirements.

Not just cheaper, go and discover more advantages when you buy fob.

Besides, your international logistics providers should be your partners. You should work with one another to improve the sustainability and viability of both businesses. If your cargo agent is only trying to get something from you and not willing to give you something in return, within reason of course, perhaps it is not the right partnership for you at that time.

Special note: For businesses that don’t often send larger shipments of several pallets at a time, please don’t afraid you can’t afford to hire a logistics provider to manage your shipping services. There’re local freight forwarders, like us, providing one-stop international transportation services for all kinds of any small shipment, whether it’s documents, parcel, cartons, pallets, or containers.

4. Properly Packing and Insure Your Shipments

All this money-saving will be for nothing if your goods aren’t wrapped properly to avoid damage, or if they’re damaged beyond use and uninsured. Ensure that your goods have proper outer packaging, as well as inner packaging; that the boxes are sealed properly and labelled correctly.

Besides, if you don’t have cargo insurance, you forwarder should at least suggest it to you and if he offers this service, like we do, negotiate the best deal with him.

Summary

  • Leave yourself enough time to plan and comply
  • Use air delivery only if necessary
  • Find suitable shipping method based on cargo volume&weight
  • Find a local freight forwarder
  • Well packaging
  • Insure your cargo

Source: https://cargofromchina.com/

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Mobile phones exported to South Korea increased by more than 100%

VCN- While mobile phones exported to important markets slightly increased or decreased, mobile phones exported to South Korea sharply increased by 107.7%.

xuat khau dien thoai sang han quoc tang hon 100
Illustrative photo.

According to the latest statistics of the General Department of Vietnam Customs, in January 2017, Vietnam exported mobile phones to 37 countries and territories.

Notably, compared to the same period in 2016, South Korea has surpassed the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to become the largest export market of Vietnam in the field of mobile phones and components.

Specifically, in January 2017, mobile phones and components exported to South Korea reached $US 229.6 million, an increase of $US 125.6 million compared to the same period in 2016, equivalent to an increase of 107.7%.

Meanwhile in the UAE market, exported mobile phones of Vietnam fell from $US 365 million in January 2016 to $US 228.5 million in January 2017, equivalent to a decrease of 37.4%.

By the end of January 2017, mobile phones and components continued to be the largest export item of Vietnam with a turnover of $US 2,329 billion, an increase of 2.6% compared to the same period in 2016.

In addition to the 2 big markets South Korea and the UAE, in January 2017, the largest import markets of mobile phones from Vietnam with a turnover of more than $US 100 million included: the United States with an import turnover of $US 206.8 million; Austria with an import turnover of $US 163.3 million; Italy with an import turnover of $US 144.8 million and Hong Kong with an import turnover of $US 112.3 million.

By Thai Binh/ Hoang Anh

Source: http://customsnews.vn/

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Imported Iron and Steel from China increase nearly 50 %

VCN- Although the volume of imported Iron and Steel from China sharply reduced compared to the same period in 2016, the total value of turnover increased, leading to the average imported price of these commodities soaring by 48%.

imported iron and steel from china increase nearly 50
The chart compares volume and total value of turnover and the average price of imported Iron and Steel from China in January, 2017 and January, 2016. Chart by: T.B

According to the latest information from the General Department of Vietnam Customs, there was 678,865 tons of all kinds of Iron and Steel imported from China with a total value of turnover of $US 343 million in January 2017.

Compared to the same period in 2016, the volume of imported Iron and Steel fell 224,048 tons, equivalent to 25%. However, the total value of turnover increase by $US 34 million, equivalent to 11%.

Thus, the average price of imported Steel and Iron from China in January was $US 505/ton, increasing by 48% compared to the average price of January, 2016 ($US 342/ton).

Besides the notable information mentioned above, the statistical results of the General Department of Vietnam Customs showed that China still remained a stable volume of imported goods to Vietnam between January 2017 and January 2016.

Specifically, the country’s total imported goods from China in January, 2017 was $US 3,943 billion turnover which was $US 9 million higher than the import turnover of $US 3,934 billion in the same period last year.

In particular, the stability of turnover value of imported goods from China took place in January, 2017 which included the Tet holidays (from January 28, 2017), meanwhile Vietnam’s import and export activity still took place normally in January 2016, because the Tet holidays of 2016 started from February 6, 2016).

imported iron and steel from china increase nearly 50 Iron and steel imports from China accounting for 59.1%VCN- According to the statistics on import and export goods from the General Department of Customs, iron …

To the end of January, 2017, besides Iron and Steel, other imported commodities with large turnover value are: Machine, equipment, tools and instrument were $US 857 million; telephones, mobile phones and parts thereof were $US 493 million, computers, electrical products and parts thereof were $US 482 million and fabric was $US 374 million.

By Thai Binh/Hoang Loan

Source: http://customsnews.vn/

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How to Use Free Time to Reduce Detention and Demurrage

Free time is the most important cost factor in ocean shipping that most companies ignore.

 
How so? Not considering free time contributes to unnecessary detention and demurrage costs on up to 25% of ocean freight shipments, according to one of the world’s largest NVOCCs.
 
This growing issue affects logistics services providers and shippers alike, and is exasperated by the current state of the ocean cargo markets – specifically with regards to the ongoing problem of port congestion.
 
Free time is a contract line item just like any other fee or surcharge, yet it is rarely considered when making routing decisions. The reason is that it’s hidden in contracts and typically overlooked thanks to all the other everyday complexities of ocean freight rate management – like tracking updates to carrier surcharges and GRIs. Free time is seldom front of mind when ocean rates get calculated and shipments are booked. Yet few of the industry’s 1,300+ ocean surcharges that garner most of the attention can add 11% to a shipment’s cost each day.
 
 
Free time is crucial and should be considered with every routing decision, right along with a shipment’s all-in rate and transit time.
 
Contributing Factors to Increased Detention and Demurrage
 
The average free time is about five days, providing precious little time to pick up, unload or load, and return a container to the depot.
 
Despite our stance that shippers must take accountability for better understanding and using free time, there are legitimate market conditions that make this difficult.
 
Among the biggest is that vessels are getting larger and taking longer to discharge. At the same time ocean carriers, ports, and terminal operators are not providing additional free time willingly. Ports will continue to get more congested, and, unfortunately, there are no free passes when a container is late.
 
Adding to the challenge is chassis availability. This market has changed, and the chassis is no longer supplied by the operators. Again, no sympathy if the chassis leasing companies run out during busy periods making it impossible to move a container.
 
 
There will always be situations where shippers simply cannot access cargo or return a container, and as a result exceed free time. Still that’s no excuse for failing to take steps to address the problem.
 
While the issue itself is simple enough, the solution is not. Without a new approach, demurrage and detention charges will only increase.
 
Solutions for Preventing Unnecessary Free Time Violations
 
Market forces aside there are tactics for managing free time to minimize costs. Two solutions with the greatest impact include using data for better decision making, and improving communication within your operation and with carriers.
 
Using this information is required for good decision making, but the challenge remains in how to go about accessing it. With most shippers having multiple carrier contracts and no good way to find and compare free time, how realistic is it to expect it will be used on a consistent basis? You need to find a way. The solution starts with an organized approach to freight rate and contract management, and continues with technology that supports your current workflows for calculating rates and quotes accurately including free time.
 
A less obvious upside to better free time visibility is that when you have additional time, you can use it. Extra free time makes it possible to avoid expenses such as storage, handling costs, or other accessorials at the point of pick up or delivery. But you have to know your free time to take advantage.
 
It is important to note that application of the terms demurrage, detention, and combined demurrage/detention varies from country to country, but the concept and workings mostly remains the same.
 
With up to 25% of all ocean shipments incurring detention or demurrage, free time should be considered with every routing decision. Don’t allow market conditions and outside factors like port congestion be an excuse for not addressing the problem.
 
Knowing free time and the potential for additional charges helps shippers make the best routing decisions. It requires diligence on the part of shippers and freight forwarders to understand their free time tariffs and consider those constraints with every routing decision.