Customs Administration Must Be More Than Just Revenue Collector, Says Ministry Secretary

Kathmandu. Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies Secretary Dr. Ram Prasad Ghimire stated that the customs administration should not be limited merely to being a revenue collection body. Speaking at an event organized on the occasion of International Customs Day, he mentioned that customs administration must be viewed as a crucial agency for border security, trade facilitation, public health promotion, and streamlining the supply chain.

Secretary Ghimire commented that while the Customs Reform and Modernization Strategy is currently being formulated, it appears that less attention has been paid to long-term modernization and strategy due to an excessive focus on annual programs and milestones. He stated that a new strategy must be formulated alongside annual programs and milestones. 

Secretary Ghimire said– ‘The customs administration is not just a revenue collecting body. It is a vital agency for border security, trade facilitation, public health promotion, and streamlining the supply chain. The Customs Reform and Modernization Strategy is under development. A new strategy must be formulated along with annual programs and milestones.’

Secretary Ghimire emphasized that the administration must remain vigilant according to the Customs Act, and the private sector must also proceed accordingly. According to Ghimire, delays in the clearance process must stop now, and businesspeople should not violate the Customs Act. –News Agency Nepal