Extension of Transit Time for Goods in Transit

The Extension of Transit Time for Goods in Transit is an important aspect of import-export activities, ensuring that the movement of goods through Vietnamese territory complies with state management requirements on customs and trade. This article clarifies the conditions, dossier, and sequence for implementing the procedure.

Goods are permitted to extend their transit time in Vietnam.

Based on Clauses 1 and 2, Article 47 of the Law on Foreign Trade Management 2017, goods in transit are considered for time extension in one of three specific cases:

1. Storage: Goods need to be stored in Vietnam due to logistics requirements or waiting for the next means of transport.
2. Damage to Goods: Goods are damaged or lost during transit and need time for handling and remediation.
3. Vehicle Incident: The means of transport carrying transit goods is damaged or encounters technical incidents causing journey interruption.

These are objective events that force goods to remain in Vietnamese territory beyond the prescribed 30-day limit.

The competent authority may extend the transit time for goods in transit.

Based on Clause 5, Article 28 of Decree 146/2025/ND-CP (effective from July 1, 2025), the authority competent to permit the extension lies with the Provincial-level People’s Committee.

• The Provincial People’s Committee (via specialized departments like the Department of Industry and Trade) receives, appraises dossiers, and issues decisions.
• The Customs Authority managing the shipment is responsible for confirming the status of goods (ensuring original customs seals and no smuggling into the inland).

Required Dossier for requesting an extension of transit time for goods in transit.

The required documents are specified in Administrative Procedure No. 1.013778, including:

1. Written Request for extension of transit time from the goods owner.
2. Transit License: 01 copy (certified true copy by the goods owner) of the granted license.
3. Customs Confirmation: 01 original document confirming the status of the transit shipment from the Customs authority.
4. Customs Declaration: 01 copy (certified true copy by the goods owner) of the transit shipment declaration.

Procedure for requesting an extension of transit time for goods in transit.

The procedure follows a standardized process:

Step 1: Submission The goods owner sends 01 complete dossiers to the licensing agency (Provincial People’s Committee). Submission can be direct, online (if available), or via public postal service.

Step 2: Appraisal and Supplementation After receipt, the agency appraises the content.

• If incomplete: Within 03 working days, the agency issues a written notice requesting the owner to supplement/correct.
• Note: If not supplemented by the deadline, the dossier may be refused.

Step 3: Decision and Result Within 07 working days from receiving a complete and valid dossier, the agency issues a written reply.

• Result: A document permitting the extension or a refusal stating the reason.
• This document serves as the basis for Customs to continue supervision until export.

Long Phan provides consulting services for procedures to extend transit time for goods in transit.

Long Phan Consulting Company provides comprehensive solutions for transit issues:

• Review: Reviewing existing dossiers and assessing the validity of reasons for extension.
• Consistency Check: Checking consistency between Customs Declarations, Transit Licenses, and actual goods status.
• Drafting: Drafting explanations for transport incidents or force majeure cases.
• Customs Liaison: Working with Customs to obtain confirmation of goods status.
• Representation: Submitting dossiers and monitoring progress at the Provincial People’s Committee.
• Handling Requests: Timely handling requests for explanation or supplementation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some frequently asked questions regarding the procedure for extending the transit time for goods in transit. Please refer to them:

What are the state fees for this procedure?

Currently, the law does not prescribe administrative fees for this procedure. However, enterprises must pay for warehousing, preservation, and customs supervision costs during the extension period.

What is the maximum extension time?

The law does not set a fixed ceiling (e.g., 10 or 20 days). The extension time corresponds to the actual time necessary for storage, remediation of damage, or vehicle repair, which the enterprise must prove in the request. (Legal Basis: Clause 2, Article 47, Law on Foreign Trade Management 2017).

Can goods be sold in Vietnam during the extension?

Absolutely not. Goods must maintain the purpose of transit out of Vietnam. Domestic consumption or dispersal constitutes smuggling or tax evasion and will be prosecuted. (Legal Basis: Clause 3, Article 47, Law on Foreign Trade Management 2017).

When can the extension be refused?

Refusal occurs if: (1) Reasons are not force majeure, damage, or transport incidents; (2) Failure to supplement the dossier within 03 days of notice; (3) Evidence of unauthorized intervention or broken customs seals.

What must the Customs confirmation include?

It must confirm: Actual status (intact or affected), current location (warehouse/yard), seal status, and confirmation that re-export procedures haven’t been done.

Conclusion

Correctly performing the Extension of Transit Time for Goods in Transit ensures supply chain continuity and avoids legal risks. Long Phan Consulting Company is ready to support clients in resolving obstacles and representing them before authorities. Please contact Hotline 1900636389 for professional advice.

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