The Ministry of Finance has called on HCM City to reconsider its collection of customs declaration fee from businesses.

It said the fee is discriminatory, citing complaints by import-export companies in Dong Nai Province that they have to pay double if they make declarations locally for goods they ship through HCM City.

For goods declared in HCM City, the rates ranges from VND15,000 (US$0.65) to VND500,000, exactly half the rates of declarations made elsewhere.

The ministry said the disparities have significant consequences for both enterprises and the economy.

It urged the city People's Committee to soon ask the People's Council to amend the fees to create a level playing field for all businesses in accordance with the laws.

Since April 1, the city has been collecting port infrastructure fees.

For goods imported for re-export, deposited in bonded warehouses and transit and transhipment, the fees are VND50,000 ($2.19) per tonne for liquid and bulk cargo, VND2.2 million ($96.5) for a 20-foot container and VND4.4 million ($193) for a 40-foot container.

Goods meant for national defence, disaster relief and some other purposes are exempt from the fees.

The city expects to collect over VND3 trillion a year. — VNS