The pilot express system, considered an important reform in customs procedures, will allow goods to be imported and exported much faster, said Nguyen Huu Nghiep, head of the department's customs procedures-related division.

Under the new system, importers and exporters will clear their goods through a computer system rather than having to work directly with customs officials.

"The system is expected to help the customs authority tighten their supervision and management, requiring export and import businesses to take more responsibility," Thiep said.

In order for businesses to use the system, they must fully declare required information to the customs authority and enter the details into the computer system one hour before their goods reach the customs check point.

In addition to paying taxes and fees, businesses will also have to classify and label their goods before transmitting the data to the customs computer system.

According to current regulations, most goods from exporters who use the express service are tax exempt.