Cargo trucks and freight containers are parked at the Boten International Customs checkpoint on the Laos-China border. -- Photo Phoonsab Thevongsa

Boten 2025 customs revenue target surpassed by 18 percent

Officials at the Boten International Customs checkpoint on the Laos-China border last year collected 3,211 billion kip to add to the state budget, exceeding the target for 2025 by 18.41 percent.
Head of the Boten International Customs checkpoint, Mr Panmalai Luangsouvan, said the facility was assigned a target of 2,712 billion kip for 2025, but 3,211 billion kip in customs duty was collected, almost 500 billion kip more than the planned figure.
Strong growth in revenue was recorded by the checkpoint compared to 2024. Revenue increased by 727.6 billion kip, up 29.3 percent from 2024, reflecting rising trade and more robust enforcement of the rules at one of Laos’ busiest border crossings.
Mr Panmalai said the increase could be attributed to several sources. These included revenue linked to the Laos-China railway, the settlement of various legal cases, and fines issued for vehicles that overstayed their permitted time in Laos. Fines were also paid on tourist vehicles that had exceeded their allotted time, as well as freight trucks and containers.
Exports remain the main source of revenue, Mr Panmalai said. A wide range of goods passes through the checkpoint, including forest products, minerals, fuel, oil, vehicles and spare parts, construction materials, electrical appliances, consumer goods, and fuel tanks.
He said a major factor behind the strong performance was the checkpoint’s growing use of digital systems, which help speed up customs procedures while improving transparency and accuracy in the payment of fees.
Among the systems now in use are the National Single Window Advance customs declaration platform, an X-ray scanner used to inspect freight, and a bill of lading system that is integrated with customs declarations. The checkpoint also uses a cargo warehouse management system and a vehicle and container tracking system, and has a modern weighing facility.
Payments made electronically through Smart Tax, Fast Tax, Lao National Single Window and Easy-pass also support faster customs clearance and reduce delays.
In addition, the checkpoint uses a tracking system to ensure that goods imported or exported under investment incentives are correctly and legally processed.
Looking ahead to 2026, Mr Panmalai said the checkpoint plans to build on its strengths, explore new sources of revenue, and improve procedures for detailed price declarations.
Customs officials will also strengthen coordination with relevant agencies and authorities at all levels to ensure revenue collection meets or exceeds set targets.
The checkpoint’s successful operations underline the growing role of digital transformation in helping Laos modernise public services and strengthen state revenue collection.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update February 17, 2026)