BYD Electric Vehicles Cleared After Two Weeks Under Armed Police Control

Seven hundred seventy five electric vehicles imported by Chinese automaker BYD through the Korala border point in Mustang have been released after being held by the Armed Police Force Nepal for nearly two weeks amid concerns over irregularities in the import process.

The Armed Police Force units at Jomsom, Korala, Kaski, and Parbat had taken the vehicles into custody during the second and third weeks of Jestha after suspecting possible violations in the import procedure. Of the total vehicles that entered Nepal, 649 had already cleared customs at the Nechiung Customs Office in Mustang at the time of seizure.

The Ministry of Finance responded by forming a three member investigation committee led by Bhupalraj Shakya, Director of the Valuation Branch under the Department of Customs. The committee began on-site inspection and inquiry across Mustang, Kaski, and Parbat starting Jestha 21.

With the preliminary investigation finding no irregularities, the vehicles have been gradually dispatched to their destinations. Of the 266 vehicles held at the Jomsom bus park, 223 were sent off on Sunday and Monday, leaving only 43 remaining. Armed Police Sub-Inspector Bheshraj Giri confirmed that all vehicles are being handed over to the respective companies in line with central directives.

The vehicles held at Korala, including those already cleared by customs, will also be dispatched in phases. Authorities stated there are no obstacles to completing the remaining customs procedures for vehicles yet to be cleared and putting them into operation.