Imported rolled steel is loaded at Hai Phong Port. — VNA/VNS Photo Hoang Hung

HA NOI (Biz Hub)— Seeking to end regulatory obstacles that might slow their growth, steel importers met with government officials to discuss concerns about Circular 44/2013/TTLT-BCT-BKHCN.

The steel importers, along with the Ha Noi Small – and Medium-sized Enterprises Association (HAMESA), met yesterday with officials of the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) and other governmental agencies to review concerns they had about Circular 44/2013/TTLT-BCT-BKHCN.

Bui Quang Chuyen, Deputy Director of the Heavy Industry Department under the MoIT said, "During the implementation of the Circular, there were some problems which have caused negative effects in the steel business."

According to officials in the steel industry, major problems included losses caused by the time it takes to receive quality certifications, as well as complicated procedures and the requirements for businesses to work with combinations of governmental organisations.

Mai Van Doi, General Director of Viet Nam Boiler Joint Stock Company, said that their import schedule had been unstable, resulting in the company having to repeatedly register, which is costing them significant amounts of money.

He added that Vietnamese enterprises also endured high risks due to trade frauds, but could not afford to file international lawsuits against foreign companies.

Meanwhile, Trinh Thanh Thuy, representative from International Son Ha Joint Stock Company, said that the time required for processing paper work would result in heavy losses for enterprises and has become a waste of efforts for management agencies.

Additionally, customs procedures, testing and accreditation processes should be reduced and a set of corresponding standards should be developed to compare Vietnamese steel products with those manufactured overseas, according to Thuy.

Nguyen Thi Nhan, representative from Thai Hung Limited Company, said that remission formalities, as well as random testing mechanisms, were unclear and complicated for businesses and management.

She added that steel importers had not yet received commitments of accountability, or a listing of obligations, from governmental organisations.

In addition, Nhan recommended that customs offices take responsibility for testing and reducing the term of testing and evaluations of imported products at customs posts.

In response to questions raised by steel-importing companies, Tran Van Vinh, Deputy General Director of Quality Testing Head Office, said that his office had set up a number of quality testing units to meet demands from businesses.

He suggested that businesses not depend on a specific unit, but report violations that slow progress.

Head Office officials also said they were importing evaluation standards from overseas organisations to speed the customs process.

Bui Quang Chuyen, representative from MoIT, added that companies that have numerous import schedules during the year could ask the ministry to confirm their plans, so that confirmations would be completed within 20 working days.

Further, Dao Trong Cuong, an expert from MoIT, said enterprises should comply with administrative formalities to avoid wasting time and efforts.

Also, Tran Van Binh, representative from Ha Noi Customs Office, said that the Office would allow steel companies to transport products and materials to their warehouses in Ha Noi.

The Office believed that such actions would help companies avoid losses and expirations of goods and products at customs post, he said. — VNS