Rasuwa Customs Sees Significant Increase in Electric Vehicle Imports in FY 2082-83

Rasuwa. The import of electric vehicles (EVs) has increased significantly in the fiscal year 2082-83 through the Rasuwagadhi (Timure) customs, a major trade gateway with neighboring China. The Rasuwa Customs Office has stated that with the continuous increase in demand for electric vehicles in the Nepali market, there has been a notable rise in imports through this gateway and the revenue collected from it.

According to the Customs Office, more than approximately 6,500 small and large electric vehicles have entered Nepal through the Rasuwagadhi border in the fiscal year 2082-83. The imported vehicles are mainly electric cars, jeeps, vans, and minibuses. These vehicles have been brought to Nepal from various cities in China via Kerung.

With the increase in the import of electric vehicles, there has also been a historic increase in the revenue collection of the Rasuwa Customs Office. The office has stated that more than 15 billion rupees have been collected as revenue from the customs duty and inspection of electric vehicles in the current fiscal year. It is said that more than 60 percent of the total revenue collected has been obtained from electric vehicles.

Although the government made some revisions to the tax rates on electric vehicles in the budget for the fiscal year 2082-83, the attraction towards Chinese brand EVs did not lead to any significant decrease in imports. Consumers are attracted to EVs because their operating costs are lower compared to fuel-powered vehicles, they are environmentally friendly, and they are equipped with modern technology. The Rasuwagadhi border, which is a short distance from Kathmandu, is establishing itself as the main entry point for businesses importing vehicles from China.

According to customs officials, the Rasuwagadhi border is increasingly developing as a major center for electric vehicle imports. Most of the cargo vehicles arriving at the customs yard daily are electric cars. They state that the improvement of road infrastructure on the Chinese side, the increasing technological nature of the inspection system, and the ease in customs procedures have led to an increase in imports.

However, the fiscal year 2082-83 was also in the spotlight due to administrative disputes along with electric vehicle imports. Before the budget announcement, it was found that some traders and customs employees were colluding to attempt pre-inspection of about 200 electric vehicles that had not yet arrived at the border, which was against regulations. Following the incident, 13 employees, including the then Chief Customs Officer, were suspended and departmental action was initiated under the direction of the Ministry of Finance and the Department of Customs. Since then, the customs office has stated that the inspection process has been made more transparent, systematic, and effective through new leadership.

Meanwhile, as the construction of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) and dry port being built in Timure is in its final stages, it is expected that vehicle management, customs inspection, and trade activities will become more effective from the upcoming fiscal year 2083-84. The customs administration has expressed confidence that the trade importance of the Rasuwagadhi border will further expand in the coming years. Photo: Suryams Upreti/Nepal Photo Library