OLAF, Ministry of Finance team up in preventing fraud in customs

Viet Nam is the EU's second most important trading partner in the ASEAN region.

OLAF and Viet Nam Customs are already working together to tackle customs fraud by exchanging information as well as in the framework of joint customs operations, like the one against illicit pesticides.

In fact, the Free Trade Agreement that the EU and Viet Nam signed in 2019 contains a protocol dedicated to mutual assistance in the area of customs. 

The new administrative cooperation arrangement will help implement the protocol and set the basis to facilitate everyday operational activities.

Addressing the event, Director-General of OLAF Ville Itälä expressed thanks to Viet Nam Customs for the constructive and friendly negotiations, as well as for good cooperation on the ground so far. 

Viet Nam is an important trade partner of the EU, with a dynamic economy and key geographical location, he said, adding that together both sides can react promptly against smugglers, counterfeiter, or other suspicions of customs fraud. 

For his part, Director-General of the General Department of Viet Nam Customs Nguyen Van Can emphasized the importance of information sharing and cooperation between the two sides to prevent smuggling, trade fraud, origin fraud for boosting trade and investment between Viet Nam and the EU. 

He thanked OLAF for the readiness and arrangement for this signing, saying the agreement will enable both sides to have further successful cooperation activities.

The arrangement will make it easier for OLAF and Viet Nam Customs to exchange information in connection with the fight against illicit trade in tobacco products, counterfeit goods, origin fraud, customs valuation fraud, illicit transshipment of waste and endangered species. 

The arrangement also covers assistance and cooperation activities as well as training. To facilitate the implementation of the arrangement, contact points are designated on each side.