VIETNAM, CHINA TO PILOT TWO-WAY CARGO TRANSPORT AT LANG SON BORDER

Trucks wait for customs clearance to export goods at the Lang Son border gate - PHOTO: VNA

HCMC — Vietnam and China will launch a one-year pilot program on December 10 to allow two-way cargo transport through the Huu Nghi–Youyi Guan international border gates in Lang Son Province, reported the Vietnam News Agency.

The Dong Dang-Lang Son Economic Zone Management Board said the trial aims to reduce transport costs and improve customs clearance capacity.

The pilot will apply to dedicated cargo routes and clearance lanes at the Huu Nghi–Youyi Guan gate, the Tan Thanh–Puzhai gate, and the Coc Nam–Nao Yao gate. It will run until December 9, 2026.

Under the scheme, trucks carrying export goods may pick up import cargo after delivery and return to their home country. Transport companies must register transport needs with the border guard and customs units at the border.

Two-way cargo vehicles must load, unload, and transfer goods at designated yards that meet inspection and consolidation requirements. Trucks may stay at the receiving country’s yard for no more than 36 hours after completing delivery procedures. Vehicles not using the two-way model must return to their home country within 24 hours.

Each shipment must belong to a single company. Trucks carrying farm produce may only transport one type of product. Electronic components and other goods must be transported in standard containers or approved vehicles. Consolidated cargo trucks are excluded from the pilot.

The Border Gate Management Center will coordinate the program and support businesses with vehicle and cargo information exchanges during the initial phase. Once operations stabilize, companies will coordinate directly and register with authorities for monitoring.

Source: The Saigon Times