Nepal Implements Online Customs System, Causing Delays and Hardship at Border Crossings

Dhanusha. The Nepali government's implementation of a mandatory online system for customs records of vehicles entering Nepal from India has caused hardship for service recipients in the border areas.

At the Jaleshwor-based Maliwada-Bhithamore Customs Post in Mahottari, drivers and passengers of vehicles entering Nepal from India are forced to wait in line for 3 to 4 hours to complete customs procedures. Despite the implementation of the new system, service recipients are facing problems due to a lack of necessary preparation, adequate manpower, and technical management.

According to vehicle owners coming to Nepal from Bihar, India, the online registration process is very complicated. As they are not receiving sufficient support from the customs office, they are forced to seek the help of intermediaries. Service recipients allege that intermediaries are charging Rs 200 to Rs 500 per vehicle for filling out online forms and completing registrations.

Ram Udit Raut from Sitamarhi district in India says, 'We have no information about the online system, and there is no arrangement for assistance at the customs office. Since we have to return on time, we are compelled to pay intermediaries to get the work done rather than waiting in line for hours.'

Local businessmen and passengers have stated that while implementing the digital system is a positive step, the public is suffering because it was implemented without ensuring adequate infrastructure, information dissemination, and technical support. They have demanded the arrangement of more computers, technical staff, and a help desk at the customs office.

Meanwhile, Customs Office Chief Rajendra Basnet admits that there are some problems as it is the initial phase of implementing the new system. He says, 'As the system has just started, some technical problems have appeared; we will gradually improve the management.'

As hundreds of Indian vehicles enter Nepal daily in the border areas, there are growing calls to immediately make the necessary arrangements to make the online customs system easy, fast, and effective. Service recipients have drawn the attention of the relevant bodies to improve the system and make the assistance service effective.