Lawmakers demand end to post-customs harassment of traders

KATHMANDU: Lawmakers have called for an end to the practice of harassing traders under various pretexts even after customs clearance at border checkpoints.

During Wednesday’s Finance Committee meeting, which discussed the Customs Bill, lawmakers criticized the practice of halting cargo trucks en route for additional investigations.

Finance Committee Chairperson Santosh Chalise stated that government agencies should not cause unnecessary trouble for traders.

“The Customs Act already provides mechanisms to take action against wrongdoing. However, many traders have reported being stopped for investigations for up to three days, with some even taken 200 kilometers back for scrutiny. Once under control, they should face due process, but unnecessary roadside detention must stop,” he asserted.

UML lawmaker Surya Bahadur Thapa Kshetri opposed the proposed provision requiring authorities to inform the Department of Customs within 24 hours after detaining goods for investigation. “Instead of informing after taking control, permission should be obtained beforehand,” he said. He stressed that once customs clearance is granted, cargo trucks should be allowed to proceed without obstruction, and legal provisions should be in place to prevent harassment on the way.

Revenue Secretary Dinesh Ghimire emphasized the need to ensure a business-friendly environment while preventing revenue losses.

Customs Department Director General Mahesh Bhattarai stated that investigations should only be conducted by authorized agencies such as the customs office or the Revenue Investigation Department, with mandatory notification to the director general within 24 hours. “If there is immediate information about revenue evasion requiring urgent action, approval from the director general must be obtained beforehand. In critical cases, immediate detention can be followed by reporting to the department within 24 hours,” he explained.

Nepali Congress lawmaker Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat pointed out that traders face additional hardships even during the customs clearance process. He stressed the need to ensure that even sealed goods are not arbitrarily seized.

Meanwhile, the Finance Committee approved provisions in the Customs Bill allowing for temporary exports under certain conditions. The bill enables customs officials to grant permission for the temporary export of goods for processing, production, repairs, or other purposes, with a cash deposit or bank guarantee.

Additionally, the committee passed a provision allowing customs officers to return imported goods if they are found to be defective or fail to serve their intended purpose.