Industrialists urge government to streamline customs procedures

KATHMANDU: Industrialists and businesspersons have urged the government to make customs clearance procedures more convenient and hassle-free. They raised concerns that Nepal's customs administration places too much emphasis on revenue collection, suggesting that revenue should come from controlling illegal trade and improving customs facilitation.

At the 73rd International Customs Day and Customs Clearance and Trade Facilitation Interaction Programme organised by the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) Secretariat before the International Customs Day, industrialists highlighted the economic benefits of revising customs rates to distinguish clearly between finished goods, raw materials, and intermediate goods.

Speaking at the event, Finance Secretary Ram Prasad Ghimire emphasised the government’s commitment to policy reforms aimed at facilitating private sector investment. He stated that the main objective of customs is trade facilitation and export promotion, rather than revenue collection. “Exports play a major role in the country’s economic development. We are working on how to facilitate our industrialists and businesspersons. The government has also been reforming its policies. Recent policy reforms have also come for that purpose,” said Ghimire.

He also addressed trade issues with India, suggesting that the forthcoming Nepal-India Customs mutual agreement would help resolve these problems and emphasising the need to encourage the new generation to engage in trade and business.

On the occasion, FNCCI President Chandra Prasad Dhakal underlined the direct impact of customs activities on industry and trade and called for measures to create a healthy business environment. “For a country like Nepal, which has an import-based economy, customs not only collects revenue but also helps organise the supply chain of the entire country and promotes investment,” said Dhakal.

He applauded the new Customs Bill being tabled in Parliament, which aligns with international commitments (Kyoto Convention and Trade Facilitation Agreement). He stressed the importance of timely completion of under-construction Integrated Check Posts (ICP) and expanding infrastructure in key customs offices.

Likewise, Department of Customs Director General Harisharan Pudasaini stated that the customs administration is committed to supporting businesses, promoting industries, and ensuring economic discipline. He mentioned that the administration is implementing policies formulated by the International Customs Organization and maximising the use of technology.

At the event, FNCCI executive committee member Dinesh Shrestha made a presentation on the challenges faced by businesses in the customs sector and proposed solutions. Businesspersons provided suggestions for customs reforms.

This year the World Customs Organization (WCO) celebrated International Customs Day 2025 with the theme ‘Customs Network in its Commitment to Efficiency, Security and Prosperity'.