KATHMANDU: Nearly 100 containers have reached the Korala customs point along the Nepal-China border in Mustang after the Nechung Customs Office resumed regular operation.
With the Rasuwagadhi and Tatopani border points closed for the past two months, traders have started importing goods via Korala as an alternative route.
Inspector Bishal Adhikari, the Information Officer of the District Police Office, Mustang, said 98 containers have reached Korala to ferry goods imported from China since mid-August. “Containers started arriving in large numbers from mid-August. This month alone, 98 containers have been recorded. Most of the containers are currently parked at Lomanthang, Nechung, and Korla,” he told MeroAuto. “They are being held now due to the ongoing curfew and prohibitory orders. Once the situation stabilizes, the containers will return.”
Nearly 100 containers have reached the Korala customs point along the Nepal-China border in Mustang to bring goods imported from China.
Last week, the Department of Customs deployed necessary staff and completed all arrangements to make the customs point fully operational.
Ramesh Khadka, Chief Customs Officer at Mustang, said Korala is being used as a temporary alternative route. “With all necessary infrastructure in place, there should be no problems in importing goods from China,” he added.
“Korala has been opened as an alternative to Tatopani and Rasuwagadhi customs points. Goods arriving from China will be cleared at the Nechung office, and customs revenue can be paid at Prabhu Bank in Lomanthang,” Khadka said.
He added that containers cleared at Chinese customs will undergo further checks at Nechung before being released.
“Seven containers have arrived at the office for clearance. Delays have occurred due to recent events. They will be duly processed and cleared once the situation normalizes,” he added.
Traders are bringing in hundreds of containers loaded with a wide variety of goods ahead of the Dashain and Tihar festivals.
“Clothing, cosmetics, electronics and some electric vehicles (EV) have arrived from China,” Khadka added.
