Customs Clearance Disrupted, Revenue Collection Declines

Customs clearance at the Birgunj Customs Office has been disrupted after traders and entrepreneurs refused to cooperate following a new rule mandating the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) on all imported and exported goods.

Due to non-participation in form filling and declaration processes, customs operations have come to a halt for the past two days.

This disruption has also impacted revenue collection. Under normal circumstances, the Birgunj customs point collects around Rs. 50–60 billion daily, but currently only about Rs. 31 billion is being collected, mainly from petroleum, vegetables, and fruits.

Business groups have opposed the MRP requirement, calling it impractical, while the customs office has said efforts are underway to resume normal operations.