Import from Tatopani customs drops

HIMALAYAN NEWS SERVICE

KATHMANDU: The overall import from Tatopani customs point has dropped by approximately 25 per cent, according to chief at Tatopani Customs Office Nirmal Hari Adhikari.

“The customs office has been able to collect duty according

to the Finance Ministry’s projection due to an increase in

the value of the US dollar though the quantity of import has declined,” he said. “The main reason behind the fall in import is because the yuan has become stronger compared to Nepali rupees.”

The exchange rate of 1 yuan was approximately Rs 11 till a year ago but it has reached Rs 14 at present, he said, adding that the stronger yuan has impacted on trade with China.

Similarly, traders have to face transportation hurdles while importing goods from China, he informed.

“Traders have to ferry goods in trucks from the concerned cities of China to Khasa –– Nepal-China border district,” he said, adding that there is

a greater problem while ferrying goods from Tatopani to Kathmandu.

“Transporters charge up to Rs 95,000 for a trip from Tatopani to Kathmandu whereas the transportation cost from Birgunj to Kathmandu is between Rs 20,000 to 25,000.”

The customs office can meet the target this year but it will

be tough to meet the target next year if the trend continues, according to Adhikari. Taking

advantage of the shortfall in

import, traders are blaming

the existing tax structure for

the decrease.

Traders blame the constant evaluation of customs duty, mandatory provision of declaration of some goods and other reasons for the drop in import, he said. “But, these accusations cannot justify the drop in import because the customs offices have not adopted even a single method that is demoralising for importers,” chief of Tatopani Customs Office Nirmal Hari Adhikari