India keeps notice of Nepal's customs rule

 Kathmandu, Apr. 23

India said on Thursday that that it understands that Government of Nepal has enforced the provision to collect customs duty if the goods being carried from India exceeded Rs. 100 to curb informal trade and smuggling.

"We understand that the Government of Nepal has taken this step primarily with the intent to curb informal trade and smuggling," Spokesperson of India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Randhir Jaiswal said at a press conference.

He also said that India is aware of reports about enforcement by Nepali authorities of a pre-existing provision that outlines collection of customs duty from cross-border travelers in case they carry items purchased in India, worth more than 100 NPR.

Likewise, Jaiswal mentioned of seeing a statement by a senior official from Nepal that civilians carrying household goods for personal use will not be obstructed. However, no names were mentioned.

"We remain engaged on the developments," he said.

Although created more than one and a half decades ago, the Rs. 100 provision is reinforced recently (with the beginning of Nepal New Year 2083 or April 14) by the government. Efforts to enforce it in the past has failed a couple of times.

Nepali citizens along the border areas have criticised the move alleging that the goods are cheaper across the border while the Indian markets at the border points have got no Nepali buyers. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 24 April 2026.