Private sector calls for prompt customs administration and procedural reforms

KATHMANDU: Private sector has called for the prompt administration of customs.

During discussions on the 'Bill designed to amend and integrate customs-related laws' at the Finance Committee of the House of Representatives today, private sector representatives emphasised the need to remove procedural hurdles in customs clearance and limit the discretionary powers of employees.

They highlighted the necessity of developing adequate infrastructure for quarantine and quality testing of goods, as well as reducing the deposit amounts required.

Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) President Rajesh Kumar Agrawal, remarked that the Bill failed to address IT and power trade issues. He noted, "It is silent about software exports and has not clarified whether power trade comes under customs."

The CNI proposed the establishment of a separate judicial body for administrative review in the event of disputes arising during customs inspections.

Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) Vice President Deepak Shrestha stated that the revenue collection targets for customs and tax offices adversely impact the business community. He called for the abolition of the reference price book used during customs surveillance and urged authorities to systematise the classification of goods according to the harmonised code.

Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) demanded a reduction in the deposit amount for goods under suspicion during customs inspections, from the current 50% to 25%. They also suggested revising the existing provision of imposing 100% fines for under- or overbilling, reducing it to 50%.

The Bill aims to amend the Customs Act in line with the Kyoto Protocol, to which Nepal is a signatory, and to modernise customs clearance procedures by incorporating advanced technology.

By RSS