Is it beneficial to dispose of illicit products?

Goods are often brought into Laos without the correct documents, despite the authorities’ attempts to crack down on such practices. Recently, customs officials confiscated and disposed of more than 3,000 kilograms of vegetables that did not carry the necessary paperwork. Vientiane Times asked for people’s opinions about this issue.

Ms Vilaivanh, a resident of Vientiane: I don’t know much about the regulations in this regard, but I think that what the authorities do is reasonable. Of course, if illicit products can be used in any way, this should be done, as it would be of benefit. But, all things considered, we should all respect the regulations and they should be enforced. I know it’s not easy to check the quality of imported goods, and there are questions about storage, especially during the inspection of frozen food. I’m concerned that food may spoil before it reaches shops and markets. 

Mr Xayphone, a government official in Vientiane province: I think it would be better if the government can fix the root cause of this problem, not the end. It should be the responsibility of local people to monitor and report the smuggling of goods because this does not happen at the main border crossings but is condoned by communities in border areas. We should inform officials if we know that underhand activities are taking place. And officials should apprehend the culprits and let them know they’re not playing by the rules. Of course, officials can and should bring the law to bear on people who import products illegally, because it causes many problems. Goods aren’t checked for quality and, as we know, there are outbreaks of animal and crop diseases because illegally imported goods don’t undergo quality and health checks. I urge everyone to pay more attention to this issue as it carries risks.

Ms Vanh Philavan, a resident of Khammuan province: I read about this and was very upset that so much food went to waste. It would be better if the authorities made use of illicit products in some way. On the other hand, we should take a stand against the illegal import of products because the government loses a lot of revenue every year in unpaid customs duty. Many Lao firms are suffering from lost business because they can’t compete with their rivals who import goods illegally and sell them at lower prices. And I’m not sure that the authorities enforce the law as they should. We need to urgently put a stop to this practice so that things are fair for everyone.

Ms Noymany, a resident of Xaythany district, Vientiane:  It’s all too easy to smuggle goods into Laos. And it’s not fair on traders who regularly pay import taxes and customs duty. I would like to see officials enforcing the law in this regard, as everyone should shoulder responsibility and pay taxes the same as other traders. I always get annoyed when I read that some imported food has been impounded and disposed of. In my opinion, if the food does not contain harmful chemicals, it should be given to poor families or sold in some way so that money is earned. I think it’s better to get some value out of these goods, rather than just disposing of them, which is wasteful. 

Mr Somexay, a resident of Xaysettha district, Vientiane: If goods are confiscated at customs but are of value, the authorities should make use of them rather than dumping them, especially food. Most people are suffering financial hardship right now because of rising prices, which means the poorest people are struggling to survive. I think it would be better for the authorities to inspect confiscated food items and if they are found to be safe they should be given free to poor families. Or they could be sold at auction and the money handed over to the state. Whatever the case, the authorities should stick to a sound plan that is carried out openly and fairly, so there are no complaints from the public.

By Lamphone Pasanthong
(Latest Update August 25, 2022)