Nepali shoppers decline at Rupaidiya market after import rule change

BANKE: Nepali shoppers have declined at the Rupaidiya market on the Indian side of the border after the Government of Nepal tightened import rules at the Jamunaha border point.

The Jamunaha checkpoint at Nepalgunj now requires import duty to be paid on goods valued at over Rs 100, a change that has reduced cross-border shopping during the festival season and led to long queues and delays.

Krishna Prasad Shrestha, former president of the Nepalgunj Chamber of Commerce, said the revised customs provision and tighter border controls were the main reasons fewer Nepalis are visiting the Indian market.

Since mid-April, the government has prohibited the import of goods worth over Rs 100 without customs clearance. Goods valued above Rs 500 must undergo customs inspection.

Sirjana Thapa of Puraina in Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City-21 said, "It was a sheer inconvenience to cross the border due to strict checkpoints and being compelled to stand in long queues. With this, Rupaidiya market is no more hustle and bustle."

The stricter border controls have, however, longer-lasting trade on the Nepali side. Consumer rights activist Prabhat Kumar Thakuri said shopping malls and marts in Nepalgunj are now busy and urged traders and business groups to work together to create a welcoming environment for shoppers and monitor prices to prevent excessive hikes and black marketing during festivals.

Nepalgunj Chamber of Commerce President Chiranjivi Oli said smuggling has shown a declining trend since the introduction of tougher border checks.

By RSS