Finance Committee deliberates on Customs Bill
KATHMANDU: The Finance Committee of the House of Representatives (HoR) commenced discussions on the Bill to amend and integrate the Customs Law-2080 BS today.
Representatives from Nepal Overseas Exporters Association, Nepal Transit and Warehousing Company, and Nepal Intermodal Transport Development Committee participated in the deliberations on the Bill, which aims to facilitate and upgrade the customs clearance process, ensuring it is systematic, transparent, and accountable in line with the Revised Kyoto Convention.
During the discussions, the association raised concerns over a provision in the Bill regarding customs charges, arguing it could impose an additional economic burden on entrepreneurs and pressure cash flow.
The association criticised the provision of levying an additional 50% deposit on duties and customs charges for inspection of goods outside customs areas, demanding its amendment.
Stakeholders also recommended that if the value declared by the declarant is more than 15% higher than the value determined by the customs officer, it should be considered under-invoicing. They called for the elimination of the value reference book used during customs clearance and urged for the classification and coding of goods according to the 'harmonised code' within 15 days.
Additionally, stakeholders sought clarity on the legal provision regarding the agency responsible for issuing warehouse operation permissions and prioritising public companies in this process.
The Nepal Transit and Warehousing Company suggested establishing a 90-day deadline for the Customs Valuation Review Committee to make decisions, allowing applicants to appeal to the Revenue Tribunal if the committee fails to meet the deadline.
The association's Vice-President, Anil Kumar Agrawal, emphasised the need for a clear deadline to finalise files under administrative review.
It is noteworthy that Nepal is a signatory to the Kyoto Convention and the World Trade Organization's Trade Facilitation Agreement. These international conventions require the implementation of the general provisions of the Revised Kyoto Convention within three years and the transitional standards within five years of becoming a signatory.
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