Customs Department Claims Effective Control Over Smuggling and Illegal Trade

The Customs Department has claimed that it is effectively controlling smuggling and illegal trade. Speaking on Sunday at a program in Kathmandu marking International Customs Day, Department Director General Shyam Prasad Bhandari highlighted the department’s efforts in policy reform and effective implementation to curb smuggling.

Responding to journalists’ questions, DG Bhandari noted that due to Nepal’s open border with India, smuggling and illegal trade are more prevalent. To tackle this, the department works in collaboration with other relevant agencies and also functions as a quasi-judicial body to control and take action against such activities.

He stated, “We are a country with an open border with India. Smuggling, illegal trade, and unauthorized exports occur because of this open border. We are not alone in addressing this — security agencies, including the Armed Police Force, Nepal Police, and other bodies, are also involved. Customs administration seizes and controls these goods and functions as a quasi-judicial body to process such cases. Billions worth of such illicit transactions are being controlled and resolved. In such matters, the Customs Department has been at the forefront. Policy reforms are being discussed and implemented at both local and central levels through the Revenue Leak Control Committee meetings.”

The department also claims that the implementation of the Customs Act, 1982, has brought significant reforms in customs administration.