The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has officially eliminated seven customs procedures within the duty-free sector, while simultaneously restructuring the entire management framework to enhance centralization and transparency.
Under recently issued Decision No. 2017/QD-BTC of the ministry, a new list of administrative procedures for the customs sector was announced. This decision is based on the implementation of the Government's Decree No. 273/2026/ND-CP regarding duty-free business operations and is expected to take effect on August 21, 2026.
Under this new regulation of the ministry, the entire system of procedures governing duty-free business activities has undergone a comprehensive review. As a result, a total of 18 procedures have been adjusted, seven of which were completely abolished, thus reducing the compliance burden on businesses.
According to the ministry, the abolished procedures were primarily those previously established under the Finance Minister's Decision No. 1450/QD-BTC and Decision No. 2770/QD-BTC, dated 2020 and 2015, respectively.
A notable highlight of this reform is the removal of specific customs, inspection, and supervision procedures for duty-free goods in cases where a business operates multiple stores or warehouses across different jurisdictions managed by various customs authorities. This cut is expected to resolve management overlaps and shorten intermediate steps in the administrative process.
Furthermore, procedures specifically designed for different categories of duty-free shoppers will no longer be maintained as independent processes.
Specifically, separate protocols for international arrivals at airports, passengers on international flights to Vietnam, or departing passengers purchasing goods at downtown duty-free shops have been eliminated. This move signifies a shift toward a centralized management model, aimed at curbing fragmentation and duplication during enforcement.
Additionally, several procedures directly related to the handling of goods have been abolished, including: procedures for moving goods from duty-free shops to re-export, procedures for moving goods into domestic consumption, and procedures for goods imported specifically for sale at duty-free shops.
The removal of these formalities contributes to a significant simplification of operational processes, creating a more favorable environment for enterprises operating in the duty-free sector.
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