Vietnam’s customs sector detected and handled 15,993 violations in 2023, down 9.5 per cent year-on-year, particularly smuggling and trade fraud, according to the General Department of Vietnam Customs.

The total value of goods seized was estimated at VND12.476 trillion ($519.8 million), a year-on-year rise of 42.6 per cent.

Some VND497.8 billion ($20.7 million) was collected for the State budget.

Most violations related to not declaring goods or making false declarations, transporting goods without clear origin, and smuggling banned products such as firecrackers, drugs, wild animals, wooden products, and tobacco.

Localities uncovering major violations included Lao Cai, Quang Ninh, Lang Son, Hai Phong, Ho Chi Minh City, Nghe An, Quang Tri, Quang Binh, and An Giang.