Ten 40-foot containers of commodities destined to local retailers have been detained upon arrival for tax evasion, in HCM City at Sai Gon Port.— Photos tuoitre

HCM CITY (Biz Hub)— Ten 40-foot containers of commodities destined to local retailers in HCM City for the Tet (Lunar New Year) holidays, have been detained upon arrival for tax evasion, in HCM City at Sai Gon Port.

After inspecting the containers, local police officials and market watchdogs discovered that several commodity categories in the shipment did not have customs certificates.

All of the containers were imported to Viet Nam from Shekou and Nansha Seaports in China by Tan Nhat Huy Vinh Dat Co Ltd and Nhat Minh Trading and Import–Export Company.

However, Tuoi Tre newspaper reported that no company has admitted ownership of the shipment. Even the company that transported the shipment claims not to know who the owner of the containers is.

Invitation letters have been sent to the two export companies, however as yet, the representatives of the companies have not come forward to talk with officials.

After inspection, authourities reported that the shipment includes speakers, LED lights, ornamental products for Tet, canvas, bras, medicated oils and equipment for the textile and garment industry.

Local officials took five days to inspect the smuggled goods and almost 90 per cent of the imported commodities had not been declared to customs officials, according to a market watchdog.

It is estimated that the shipment is worth billions of dong. However, the initial declaration to customs officials says that each container is worth VND10 million (US$476).

Beside the ten containers, another four containers have also been detained by officials at the Viet Nam International Container Terminals.

Tuoi Tre newspaper quoted a police official as saying he was shocked to see such a huge volume of commodities waiting to be sold in HCM City during Tet. —VNS