Vietnam’s customs authorities have highlighted the progress of the Priority Enterprise Program after 15 years of operation. The program has grown from just nine pilot companies at its launch to 74 certified enterprises today, with participating businesses playing a significant role in Vietnam’s import and export activities.
The program was established to support companies with strong customs compliance and management systems by providing greater facilitation and faster customs clearance in return for maintaining high compliance standards.
Priority Enterprise Program Expands to 74 Companies
According to information released by Vietnam’s customs authorities on September 29, the Priority Enterprise Program now includes 74 certified enterprises, more than eight times the original nine pilot companies.
Most participating businesses operate in export-oriented sectors, including electronics, processing and manufacturing, textiles, agricultural products, and seafood. Among them, 10 companies operate in high-tech industries and the semiconductor sector.
Although the number of participating enterprises remains relatively small compared with the overall number of businesses in Vietnam, their international trade value is substantial. Between 2022 and 2025, the total import and export value of priority enterprises was expected to remain above US$230 billion per year, accounting for approximately 28-34% of Vietnam’s total trade value.
In the first half of 2026, the group recorded approximately US$164.5 billion in trade, representing around 30% of the country’s total import and export value.
Vietnamese, South Korean and Japanese Companies Play Key Roles
As of December 2025, the 74 enterprises holding Priority Enterprise status included 26 Vietnamese companies, 16 South Korean companies, 14 Japanese companies, seven Taiwanese companies and three U.S. companies. The remainder consisted of companies from Italy and Denmark, a Vietnam-Russia joint venture, and businesses from other countries.
Among them, the Bac Ninh Customs area oversees 14 priority enterprises, including major companies in the industrial and electronics sectors such as Samsung, Canon, Goertek, Luxshare-ICT, Fushan Technology Vietnam and Hansol Electronics Vietnam.
Customs Clearance and Tax Benefits
One of the key advantages of the Priority Enterprise Program is preferential treatment in customs procedures. Companies that meet the program’s requirements can benefit from greater facilitation for import and export activities compared with other businesses.
These benefits may include reduced or waived document checks at certain stages, lower rates of physical cargo inspections, and streamlined procedures related to imports and exports.
In terms of taxation, Priority Enterprises can use a designated tax payment mechanism, allowing taxes to be paid as early as the 10th day of the following month. Eligible companies may also benefit from a “refund first, audit later” mechanism when applying for value-added tax refunds, subject to applicable conditions.
Vietnam has also developed mutual recognition and cooperation mechanisms with ASEAN countries and South Korea. Authorities are studying opportunities to expand similar cooperation with China and other markets.
Priority Enterprise Status Is Not Permanent
Although the program provides significant customs facilitation, Priority Enterprise status is not permanent. Companies must continue to meet requirements related to customs and tax compliance, accounting, auditing, internal controls and supply chain management.
Vietnamese customs authorities periodically assess whether enterprises continue to meet the program’s requirements. In 2025, seven businesses were suspended or removed from the list after failing to fully comply with the required conditions.
During the 15th-anniversary celebration of the program on September 29, customs authorities granted Priority Enterprise status to three new companies: Hana Micron Vina, Luxshare-ICT Vietnam and Samju Vina.
Four other companies had their Priority Enterprise status extended: Minh Phu Hau Giang Seafood Company, Hoa Sen Group, Hoya Glass Disk Vietnam and LG Electronics Vietnam Hai Phong.
Vietnam Focuses on Compliance Quality and Digital Customs
Vietnam’s customs authorities said the future direction of the Priority Enterprise Program will place greater emphasis on the quality of participating businesses and their level of regulatory compliance rather than simply increasing the number of enterprises in the program.
Companies operating in high-tech industries, semiconductors and high-value export sectors are expected to remain a priority during the assessment process because of their role in Vietnam’s exports and international supply chains.
At the same time, the customs sector plans to accelerate the development of Digital Customs by increasing automation in data submission and processing. The goal is to reduce processing times and administrative costs for businesses engaged in international trade.
Authorities also expect large companies, particularly foreign-invested enterprises, to contribute to technology transfer, increase domestic production and strengthen the participation of local businesses in global supply chains.
Source :
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