VIENTIANE: A nationwide campaign to counter illegally imported and improperly used vehicles has generated more than 1.5 trillion kip in state revenues after authorities resolved 32,457 cases involving cars and motorcycles, the Customs Department announced on Thursday (June 18).
The figures were disclosed during a consultation meeting organised by the Customs Department under the Ministry of Finance to review progress in addressing illegal vehicle imports and to discuss measures to strengthen enforcement efforts nationwide.
The meeting was chaired by the Director General of the Customs Department, Phoukhaokham Vannavongxay, and attended by senior officials of the department, provincial customs offices and international customs checkpoints across the country.
Phoukhaokham said the government had implemented Prime Minister’s Office Notices No 1553/PMO and No 175/PMO dated September 15, 2025 and May 8, 2026, to address the issue of illegally imported and improperly used vehicles.
As a result, authorities resolved 32,457 cases involving 31,612 cars and 845 motorcycles, and collected a total of 1.509 trillion kip in customs duties, taxes and related fees.
Despite these achievements, illegal activities centred around vehicle imports remain a challenge.
Authorities continue to encounter cases of vehicle smuggling, the sale and use of vehicles that have not undergone proper customs procedures or for which the required duties and taxes have not been paid, and the use of fraudulent licence plates and registration documents.
To guide future enforcement efforts, the Prime Minister’s Office issued Notice No 712/PMO on May 28, outlining directions for the next phase of implementing measures to address illegally imported and improperly used vehicles.
The meeting reviewed the implementation of Notices No 1553/PMO and No 175/PMO, assessed public feedback, and disseminated the contents of Notice No 712/PMO to customs authorities nationwide.
The participants also discussed implementation mechanisms and practical measures aimed at improving enforcement and preventing further violations.
Provincial customs officials and representatives of international customs checkpoints shared their experiences and the challenges encountered in managing vehicle imports and enforcing regulations.
Discussions focused on strengthening coordination among relevant agencies and identifying solutions to completely eliminate the problem of illegally imported and improperly used vehicles.
The consultation was part of the government’s efforts to strengthen customs administration, protect state revenues, and ensure compliance with laws governing vehicle imports and registration.
The tougher measures issued by the government are directed against individuals and businesses involved in illegally importing and improperly using vehicles.
They are also aimed at curbing tax evasion and ensuring the full payment of customs duties and other taxes.
The directive recently issued by the government is intended to strengthen enforcement and safeguard state revenues. - Vientiane Times/ANN
