FinMin mulls over container cargo system

KATHMANDU,JUNE 14: 

Department of Customs (DoC) is mulling over the introduction of the clearance of cargo based on container cargo system to stop irregularities at customs points.

The existing conventional cargo clearance method has many loopholes and traders have been taking advantage of it, a source at Finance Ministry said, adding that the introduction of the new cargo clearance system will help control revenue fraud. 

“Department is currently carrying out a study regarding the implementation of the container cargo system,” said deputy director general of DoC Laxman Aryal. “The department will complete the study in a few weeks.”

Currently, Tatopani Customs Office has adopted 

the cargo clearance method by sealing the containers. The provision of sealing the vehicle is in practice in other customs offices too, the ministry source said. “But the system has not been implemented effectively.” 

The tax administration and other responsible agencies will be able to scan and search cargo scientifically after implementation of container sealing system, the source said. The trend of loading smuggled goods after customs clearance has surfaced due to the existing loopholes in clearance methods, he said. Traders will have to keep customs seal intact after the implementation of the new container cargo system, according to him. 

Cross checking will be easier after the new provision 

is implemented, he said, adding traders will be cautioned if the customs seal on containers is broken or tampered with or some discrepancy is found in the number of seals once the new system comes into practice. 

Traders who engage in any illegal activity will be subject to action, he said. He, however, said effective implementation will be based on the performance of concerned government agencies including DoC, concerned customs offices and Department of Revenue Investigation.

Source: THT