Customs duty can be settled online

KATHMANDU, Jan 27: Finance Minister Janardan Sharma on Wednesday launched an electronic payment system for the submission of custom tax. 

Minister Sharma launched the service amidst a program organized on the occasion of the 70th International Customs Day. 

“With the innovative system in place, the traders can submit the custom duty via e-payment method. With the help of the system, one can request for the customs check pass, which would facilitate the collection of customs duty,” Minister Sharma hoped. He also termed it the beginning of the 'new age'.

"The new application not only facilitates traders and employees but also saves their time," he said, adding that it further helps to improve work progress. For the reform on custom, a vehicle scanner would be introduced. The vehicle scanner is also linked to security, according to him.

The Finance Minister also pointed out the need for quarantine and laboratory to meet the international standard. The government is committed to bringing reforms with this, he vowed.

The suggestions from the private sector would help the government improve the system.

He admitted that international price hikes created stress on foreign currency reserves in Nepal. However, Nepal's economy has not been pushed to a tailspin. He also expressed dissatisfaction over the publicity on the economy that panicked general people and the private sector.

On the occasion, Finance Secretary Madhu Kumar Marasini viewed that only technology was not enough, but skilled human resources and continuous training were necessary. He said the new system would facilitate the private sector which contributes 70 percent to the national economy.

The International Customs Day is observed on January 26 every year.