Circular No. 4043-TC/TCT regarding the affixing of labels on imported goods

LETTER

OF THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE NUMBER 4043 TC/TCT DATED NOVEMBER 11, 1997
REGARDING STAMPING IMPORTED GOODS

To: People's Committees of provinces and centrally-run cities

In implementation of the Prime Minister’s Directive No. 853/1997/CT-TTg dated October 11, 1997 on combating smuggling in new circumstances, the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Trade, Ministry of Home Affairs, and General Department of Customs have issued Circular Jointly No. 77/1997/TTLT-BTC-BTM-BNV-TCHQ dated November 1, 1997 regarding stamping imported goods, clarifying the types of goods to be stamped, deadlines, methods for stamping, and handling violations... The Ministry of Finance has issued Letter No. 3990 TC/TCT dated November 8, 1997 to People's Committees of provinces and centrally-run cities requesting them to focus on directing implementation.

Following the above letter, the Ministry of Finance requests People's Committees of provinces and centrally-run cities to add the following points:

- Clearly explain to organizations, individuals engaged in business, and the public about the purpose of implementing stamping for imported goods, which is aimed at contributing to preventing smuggling and illegal trading of smuggled goods, protecting and encouraging domestic production, safeguarding legitimate rights and interests of organizations and individuals legally importing and trading three types of goods: alcohol, bicycles, and electric fans, and protecting consumer rights.

Direct organizations under central ministries and sectors in localities, specialized agencies at the provincial level, and People's Committees at all levels to effectively implement stamping for imported bottled alcohol, complete bicycles, and various types of electric fans. Initially, focus on mobilizing organizations and individuals engaged in business to declare remaining stock for stamping within the prescribed timeframe, creating a new shift in compliance with legal regulations by these entities.

After completing the stamping process, closely monitor and supervise the circulation of imported bottled alcohol, complete bicycles, and various types of electric fans on the market. If found without stamps, strictly handle according to current regulations. Through this experience, expand implementation for other goods as appropriate. Other business establishments dealing in imported goods must comply with documentation and invoice requirements as stipulated in Circular No. 73-TC/TCT dated October 20, 1997 of the Ministry of Finance on document and invoice systems for goods circulating in the market.

Stamping imported goods is a correct policy by the Party and Government to combat illegal sales but it is new work that traders are not yet familiar with; those selling smuggled goods may resist implementation, which could lead to difficulties. However, if implemented well, it will significantly contribute to successfully combating smuggling and facilitate stamping for other types of goods. This will protect and promote domestic production, encourage fair competition in the market, combat corruption... The Ministry of Finance requests People's Committees to pay special attention to directing all levels and sectors at localities to act uniformly and resolutely implement according to schedule and achieve results.