Birgunj: The customs clearance job has remained still at Birgunj Customs Office for the past one week as importers have halted customs clearance following the government decision to implement maximum retail price (MRP) on imported goods.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the government had issued a notice on April 8, mandating the implementation of MRP on goods arriving at the customs point. This decision led to the disruption of customs clearance for all imported goods, except petroleum products, fruits and vegetables, and industrial raw materials, for a week.
The halt in customs clearance was prompted by non-compliance from importers, resulting in goods-laden vehicles accumulating near the Indian border in Raxaul. Information Officer of Birgunj Customs Office, Udaya Singh Bista, reported that customs clearance for nearly 1400 vehicles has stalled, with approximately 200 vehicles entering Nepal daily.
“We are ready for the customs clearance process. But, it has been paused as the importers did not cooperate in the procedural steps. The Customs Department is making coordination. We expect this issue to resolve soon,” Bista added.
Chairman of Birgunj Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Hari Prasad Gautam, emphasized the need for resolution through coordination, as prolonged issues benefit neither the state nor the business community. On average, the Birgunj Customs Office collects Rs 500-600 million in revenue per day.