VNACCS VCIS: Vietnam’s New Customs System

October 14, 2026

An Overview of the VNACCS VCIS Customs System for Businesses of All Sizes VNACCS VCIS is a customs system consisting of two main modules. One of its key advantages is fast customs clearance using digital signatures. For green-channel declarations, processing can take as little as 1–3 seconds!

VNACCS VCIS: A Customs System Consisting of Two Main Modules

Vietnam Automated Cargo Clearance System (VNACCS): This system is used to process customs clearance for import and export goods.
Vietnam Customs Intelligence Information System (VCIS): VCIS primarily supports internal customs operations, including risk management and operational supervision. Therefore, business owners and cargo owners generally do not need to interact with this module directly.

VNACCS VCIS was introduced by Vietnam Customs and was scheduled for official mandatory implementation from early April 2014, following an extended preparation period and a pilot phase that began in November 2013.

Software

The VNACCS VCIS system comprises various software applications.

The following applications are particularly relevant to cargo owners and businesses, especially the first one:

Electronic Declaration (e-Declaration);
Electronic Invoice (e-Invoice);
Electronic Payment (e-Payment);
Electronic Certificate of Origin (e-C/O);
Electronic Manifest (e-Manifest).

Other applications within the system are mainly intended for customs authorities and may be less relevant to cargo owners:

Selectivity;
Risk Profile and Risk Criteria Management;
Import and Export Enterprise Management;
Customs Clearance and Cargo Release;
Supervision and Control.

The software is provided free of charge, so businesses do not need to purchase it. Reputable download sources include the website of the General Department of Vietnam Customs and the website of Thai Son.

Advantages of the VNACCS System

For customs declarants, the new system offers several notable advantages:

Fast customs clearance using digital signatures: Green-channel declarations can be processed in as little as 1–3 seconds. In other words, the system can return a channel assignment almost immediately after a single click.
Processing time for yellow- and red-channel declarations: Processing time depends on the accuracy and completeness of the documentation and the condition of the goods. If more than 60% of a company’s declarations are assigned to the green channel, the overall declaration process can be significantly faster.
Reduced paperwork: Once integration among relevant government agencies is fully implemented, supporting documents can be submitted directly to Customs through the software. In addition, businesses with green-channel declarations do not need to visit the customs branch office and can proceed to the port to collect their goods, in accordance with Circular No. 128/2013/TT-BTC, as referenced in the original article.
No separate customs value declaration in certain cases: For the transaction value method, some information previously required on a separate customs value declaration is incorporated into the import declaration.
Fewer import and export procedure codes: The VNACCS VCIS system was expected to standardize the number of import and export procedure codes to slightly more than 40, compared with over 200 previously. This makes it easier for customs declarants to look up and select the appropriate codes.
No distinction between commercial and non-commercial goods in the clearance process: These two categories generally differ in their documentation requirements, while their customs clearance procedures are similar. Under the previous system described in the original article, non-commercial shipments often involved considerably more complicated procedures than commercial shipments.

Disadvantages of the VNACCS System

One notable disadvantage is that the VNACCS customs declaration process can be more complex in terms of the information that must be entered. Without proper training and regular practice, customs declarants may easily enter incorrect or incomplete information or make other declaration errors.

Therefore, businesses should prepare in advance by providing appropriate training in customs procedures and operational skills.

Businesses that have not yet received VNACCS VCIS training may consider contacting FPT’s electronic services division to inquire about its free training courses. Participants can learn the basic implementation process and receive remote assistance with installing, setting up, and testing the FPT.VNACCS software through its support center, website, and FPT.TQDT software.

This gives businesses another option for participating in electronic customs procedures, helping their import and export operations become faster, easier, more secure, and more cost-effective.

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