Import-export through Jogbani customs resumes

BIRATNAGAR , APR 11 -

Export-Import activities through India’s Jogbani customs finally resumed Wednesday after a three-week halt.

Employees of the customs office had been holding protests against the arrest of four of their colleagues by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), affecting Nepal’s import-export activities. The CBI had arrested four officials of the customs office, including deputy commissioner Shiva Shankar Kumar, on charges of bribery on March 21.

Although the customs officials had been clearing goods imported from foreign countries and some perishable goods, they had completely halted the clearance of goods imported from India

“Imported goods stranded at Jogbani customs have started getting clearance from Wednesday” said Rajendra Dahal, chief of Biratnagar Customs Office, adding due to the three-week obstruction at Jogbani, traders had been bringing in goods through Mechi, Bhantabari and Birgunj transit points.

New chief at Jogbani customs, Jyoti Aditya, had not allowed clearance of Nepal-bound goods from India, imposing “harsh” criteria that required Nepali importers to submit documents such as Indian Currency code number, copies of PAN card and authorisation letter.

However, the customs has started clearing goods based on the old rules following pressure from the Biratnagar Custom Agent Association, its chairman Chairman Bijendra Parasar said.

Source: The Kathmandu Post