Nepal, India agree to make customs procedures paperless

KATHMANDU, APRIL 11: The 21st Director General-level meeting between the customs administrations of Nepal and India concluded on Friday in Kathmandu. The Nepali delegation was led by Mahesh Bhattarai, Director General of the Department of Customs, while the Indian delegation was headed by Abhay Kumar Srivastava, Director General of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI).

Since the first director general-level meeting between the two countries was held in 1995, the tradition of hosting the meetings alternately in Nepal and India has continued.

The meeting featured in-depth discussions on a wide range of issues related to trade facilitation and the control of unauthorized trade. Both sides agreed to cooperate in making customs procedures paperless to enhance trade efficiency, reduce logistics costs, and strengthen efforts against illicit trade.

Other main topics agreed upon during the meeting were related to India’s recognition of certificates of origin issued through Nepal’s National Single Window system; the establishment of a mechanism for the exchange of advance import-export information; signing of a bilateral agreement for mutual customs cooperation; and the development of essential physical infrastructure in the border areas to promote trade.

Further, the two sides agreed to expand quarantine facilities along the Nepal–India border; extend the Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS)—currently used for rail-based trade with third countries via India—to road-based (truck) transportation to reduce costs; expedite the completion and operation of integrated check posts under construction in Bhairahawa and Chandani–Dodhara; and initiate rail cargo services in Biratnagar.

The Nepali delegation included representatives from the Ministries of Finance; Foreign Affairs; Industry, Commerce and Supplies; and Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, as well as the Directors General of the Plant Quarantine and Pesticide Management Centre, the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control, and the Department of Livestock Services.

On the Indian side, the delegation—apart from the Director General of the DRI—included officials from various customs offices, representatives from the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, and officials from agencies involved in international trade.

The 22nd Director General-level meeting between the customs administrations of Nepal and India will be held in New Delhi, India.