Vientiane customs revenue exceeds 2025 target driven by spike in vehicle imports

Vientiane Capital Customs beat its 2025 revenue target after a surge in vehicle imports resulted in customs duty payments of 9.459 trillion kip, exceeding the target figure by more than 2.3 trillion kip.
The customs revenue target for 2025 was set at a minimum of 7.219 trillion kip, but the 9.459 trillion kip collected exceeded this figure by 33.23 percent.
The customs office reviewed its performance at its annual meeting on February 19 and set the agenda for 2026. Director General of the Customs Department, Ministry of Finance, Mr Phoukhaokham Vannavongsay, chaired the meeting.
The review meeting was attended by officials from Thanaleng Dry Port and Friendship Bridge 1 customs checkpoints, Wattay International Airport customs checkpoint, and other customs staff.
The Head of Vientiane Customs, Mr Bouavang Atanaphone, delivered a report that described 2025 as a year of strong revenue growth and more effective management.
According to reports, vehicle imports generated the largest share of revenue at more than 3.987 trillion kip, achieving 138.21 percent of the amount set in the plan for 2025 and contributing about 1.629 trillion kip above the target figure.
The sharp rise in revenue reflects increased import volume and improved enforcement at customs checkpoints.
Revenue earned on fuel was also a key source of income, generating more than 2.324 trillion kip, up by 69.72 percent, while the duty paid on general consumer goods amounted to more than 1.784 trillion kip, up by 6.10 percent.
Other categories also exceeded expectations. Spare parts generated over 67,784 million kip, construction equipment over 53,479 million kip, and electrical appliances over 60,313 million kip. Various other fees totalled 60,705 million kip, up by 55.56 percent.
Mr Bouavang said the customs office is an important arm of the Customs Department and the Vientiane Administration. It oversees customs operations in line with the Customs Law and related regulations, while ensuring that revenue flows to the state budget.
Looking ahead, the revenue target for 2026 has increased sharply and has been set at 11.779 trillion kip. Mr Bouavang described this as “considerably high” and said it would require stronger coordination and discipline.
To achieve this target, the office will strengthen training and political education for staff, in a bid to enhance their sense of responsibility and professionalism. It will also create better understanding of finance-related laws among traders and businesses.
Customs officers will tighten monitoring of containers moving from the Vientiane South logistics site to Thanaleng Dry Port to prevent revenue leakage.
They will also speed up the clearance of long-stored goods and vehicles and resolve outstanding customs declarations under the IM8 guarantee system.
In addition, the office plans to introduce the National Single Window customs declaration system, known as ASYCUDA PASS, at international checkpoints to simplify procedures and improve transparency.
Mr Phoukhaokham praised the achievements of 2025 and encouraged officers to build on this positive trend. He said customs staff must take greater initiative and responsibility in meeting or surpassing the 2026 revenue plan, as customs revenue remains vital to national development.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update February 25, 2026)