DoC plans to expand virtual monitoring of customs offices

 Kathmandu, Dec. 28

The Department of Customs (DoC) is mulling to expand the virtual monitoring system to new customs offices across the country.

The central virtual monitoring system at the head office is currently monitoring 14 customs offices where ASYCUDA World System is in operation.

The ASYCUDA is in operation in 24 customs offices. ASYCUDA (Automated System for Customs Data) is a computerised system that helps to administer a country’s custom operation.

“The DoC is effortful for further reforms in customs operation with the application of modern technology. Making the activities more transparent is our priority,” said the Director General of the department Suman Dahal in an interaction with the Nepalese Association of Financial Journalists (NAFIJ) on Monday.

The implementation of the national single window system will digitise major government services including trade, transport and logistics which will make the customs operation faster, less costly and transparent, he said.

Deputy DG Shyam Prasad Bhandari said that the reform initiatives have contributed to minimising the wrongdoing. “We are coordinating with the customs offices of other countries and the World Trade Centre in implementing the reforms and transferring the technologies,” he said.

Showing the recently built referral laboratory at the head office, DG Dahal said that the facility had ultra-modern equipment to detect metals as well as natural ingredients.

The establishment of the lab has discouraged the smuggling in disguise and sub-standard food and medicine.

The machine has the capability to tell the exact amount of the metals mixed in a particular items like jewelleries and toys.

It can tell you if any toys has harmful elements or any food item is inedible, said Ishwor Koirala, head of the lab.

The proper identification of the ingredients in a product helps to define its export import code as well.