The reform of administrative procedures for Specialized Inspection on import-export products is an important ongoing GVN objective. On January 25-26, the USAID Trade Facilitation Program conducted a workshop with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to review and revise the current policy, Circular 15, which includes the use of Harmonized System codes for global product classification on agricultural products. The legal review workshop involved 38 participants (17 women and 21 men), from both GVN and selected business associations, who recommended revising a number of Harmonized System codes to increase transparency, streamline focal points, and remove products subject to Specialized Inspection.
So what? The new policy replacing Circular 15, expected in March 2021, will facilitate trade in Vietnam by reducing time and costs to import goods. USAID’s support comes at a crucial time in the bilateral relationship between the United States and Vietnam as new administrations in both countries formulate policies and continue to cooperate closely on free, fair and reciprocal trade.