KATHMANDU: Vehicles and other goods that already have customs documents issued for import through the Rasuwagadhi border can now be brought into Nepal through alternative customs points.
The Department of Customs has allowed importers to change the designated customs point for goods that are already in transit from China. The decision comes after the Rasuwagadhi border was disrupted by the flash flood on August 26.
According to the department, goods for which import documents had already been issued through Rasuwa Customs can now be cleared through another customs point.
Importers can contact the concerned bank and change the customs point mentioned in their payment documents. They can then declare and clear the goods through the newly selected customs point.
The provision applies to imports made through all payment methods, including letters of credit (LC), drafts and telegraphic transfers (TT). Importers do not need separate approval or recommendation from another government agency to change the customs point.
The decision is expected to help move vehicles and other goods that are currently stranded along the China-Nepal trade route.
This means electric vehicles and other goods originally planned to enter through Rasuwagadhi can be diverted through the Korala or Tatopani border points, subject to operational conditions.
However, the Tatopani border has also remained closed due to landslides. The Department of Customs has therefore requested importers to use the Korala border point in Mustang wherever possible.
The Ministry of Finance has also established a help desk at Mustang Customs to facilitate imports through Korala.
The flash flood caused extensive damage to the Rasuwagadhi trade corridor. Around 40 kilometers of roads and 41 bridges in Rasuwa have been reported damaged. The Rasuwagadhi Customs Office and its customs yard have also suffered major destruction.
The full extent of the damage is still being assessed. With major road, bridge and customs infrastructure damaged, it remains uncertain when the Rasuwagadhi customs point will resume normal operations.
