DoC plans to instal advanced scanners

Kathmandu, January 25

The Department of Customs (DoC) has said that it will buy more advanced scanner machines and instal them in major customs points of the country so that works can be carried out more effectively and efficiently.

According to Toyam Raya, director general of DoC, the department at present is preparing the specifications of the machines that it wants to instal in the customs offices. He said that according to preliminary estimates each machine is likely to cost Rs one billion. “Since it involves huge investment we need to study more about it before taking any step.”

Speaking at a programme today in the capital, Raya said that the DoC has been gradually modernising its systems so as to make the customs clearance process more convenient and transparent for exporters and importers.

At present, the Birgunj dry port office is the only customs point in the country that has installed a scanner machine. “We have planned to acquire scanner machines for Biratnagar, Bhairahawa, and Birgunj customs offices, among others for timely and hassle free transit of goods,” he added. Raya added that the scanner machines have become necessary as per international trade practices and also because the country needs to fulfil certain bilateral and multilateral commitments. “We believe that such machines will not only facilitate works at the customs points but also go a long way in minimising revenue leakage.”

He further informed that the DoC is gradually modernising its offices through the use of available technology so as to minimise risks. “We are also cooperating with other concerned authorities so as to deliver better services.”

On the occasion, Chandra Prasad Dhakal, senior vice-president of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and

Industry, said that the customs offices should adopt measures whereby trade and transport are seamless. He informed that there is always a huge line of vehicles awaiting clearance at the customs offices citing the example of Bhairahawa customs office.