KATHMANDU: The Korala checkpoint in Mustang, which came into operation as an alternative trade route with China, has emerged as a key entry point for electric vehicles and goods.
In the first two months of the current fiscal year, more than 1,700 electric vehicles and nearly 1,000 containers of goods were imported through this border point.
According to Mustang Customs Office Chief Ramesh Khadka, a total of 1,726 electric vehicles were imported through the Korala border crossing between September 15 and November 16. This marks the highest EV import volume from a Chinese border this year.
Imports through Korala surged after the Tatopani and Rasuwagadhi checkpoints were closed due to monsoon disruptions. Though Tatopani has since reopened, Rasuwagadhi remains closed.
“Since mid-September, EVs have been entering Nepal in large numbers after operations at the Nhechung customs office became regular. While imports are still ongoing, the volume has slowed due to the reopening of Tatopani and the end of the festival season,” said Khadka in a statement to MeroAuto.
Models such as BYD Atto 1, Atto 2, Jaecoo J5, J6, Leapmotor B10, Proton e.Mas 7, Omoda E5, and models from Dongfeng entered Nepal via Korala.
931 containers of goods imported
In addition to EVs, 931 cargo containers carrying clothes, cosmetics, electronics, and other goods were imported from China in the same period. The checkpoint also facilitated exports, with 55 containers of Nepali goods, including handicrafts, sent to China in the last two months.
Rs 4.5 billion in revenue collected
A total of Rs 3.68 billion in customs revenue was collected over the last two months due to the high volume of imports. The Customs Department has also upgraded operations at the Mustang Customs Office in Nhechung with the installation of the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA).
Additionally, arrangements have been made for customs duty payments through Prabhu Bank in Lomanthang, and a Unified Circular-2081 has been enforced to streamline goods inspection and counterfoil-based imports.
