JOINTECH & Vietnam Customs: Co-Creating a Nationwide Smart Supervision Network for In-Transit Cargo

Policy-Driven Collaboration: From Regulatory Demand to Strategic Partnership

Amid the rapid expansion of cross-border trade, Vietnam has taken proactive steps to strengthen cargo supervision during transit. In 2018, the General Department of Vietnam Customs introduced Decision 2031/QD-TCHQ, a landmark regulation requiring GPS-based monitoring for all containerized goods under import, export, transit, and temporary import–re-export regimes.

This policy marked a shift from traditional, fragmented supervision toward a unified, technology-driven national system. Against this backdrop, JOINTECH emerged as a key technology partner, bringing its proven expertise in smart electronic locks and IoT-based customs supervision solutions to support Vietnam’s digital transformation.

Smart Lock Solution: Turning Policy into Actionable Technology

To meet the regulatory requirements, JOINTECH deployed its JT701 smart electronic lock, enabling customs authorities to gain full control and visibility over cargo movements.

Real-Time Transport Transparency
Each container is equipped with a smart lock capable of continuously transmitting location, movement trajectory, and stop information to the central customs platform, ensuring full-process traceability.

Active Risk Detection Mechanism
The system automatically detects anomalies such as unauthorized unlocking, seal tampering, route deviation, or excessive dwell time. Once triggered, alerts are instantly sent to the customs control center, allowing rapid response and minimizing potential risks.

Scalable Infrastructure Support
Since the project launch, more than 7,200 devices have been deployed nationwide, forming a robust hardware foundation for Vietnam’s digital supervision network.

From Pilot to Nationwide Adoption: A Proven Implementation Path

The cooperation between JOINTECH and Vietnam Customs followed a structured, step-by-step rollout strategy.

Initial Pilot Phase
Early deployments were concentrated in key logistics hubs such as Haiphong and Quang Ninh. These regions served as testing grounds for validating system performance under real-world operational conditions.

Gradual National Expansion
Following successful pilot results, the solution was extended to major economic and border regions, including Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Lang Son, Da Nang, Vung Tau, and Quang Tri. The large-scale procurement reflects the system’s reliability and the customs authority’s confidence in its effectiveness.

Continuous Optimization: Insights from Long-Term Operation

By 2023, after several years of stable system operation, JOINTECH and Vietnam Customs reconvened during the World Customs Organization (WCO) Technology Conference to review progress and explore future upgrades.

Operational Review & Feedback Loop
Both sides conducted a comprehensive assessment of system performance, focusing on long-term stability and efficiency across diverse logistics environments.

Localized Enhancements
Frontline officers provided practical feedback on challenges such as signal interference in complex terrains and device endurance. These insights directly contributed to product improvements and system optimization.

Exploring Next-Gen Capabilities
Discussions also covered the integration of advanced technologies such as AI-powered visual inspection, aiming to further enhance automation and intelligence in customs supervision.

Measurable Impact: Strengthening Security and Trade Efficiency

Over seven years of implementation, the project has delivered tangible benefits for all stakeholders.

For Customs Authorities

• Established a nationwide digital supervision framework
• Reduced manual inspection workload and enforcement costs
• Minimized blind spots in cargo monitoring
• Enhanced capability to combat smuggling and fraud

For Logistics and Trade Enterprises

• Ensured secure, compliant cargo transportation
• Reduced unnecessary inspections and delays
• Improved overall efficiency of customs clearance

For the Ecosystem
This collaboration stands as a benchmark case of how policy, technology, and operational feedback can be effectively integrated to drive national-level digital transformation.

Looking Ahead: Advancing Toward Smarter Global Trade

With over 7,200 devices in operation and years of accumulated experience, JOINTECH will continue to deepen its cooperation with Vietnam Customs while expanding its footprint globally.

By integrating IoT, big data, and artificial intelligence into customs workflows, JOINTECH aims to support more countries in building intelligent, efficient, and secure supervision systems—contributing to the future of global trade facilitation.