KATHMANDU: The Mustang Customs Office has surpassed its annual revenue target within the first four months of the current fiscal year. The office, which had set a target of collecting Rs 9 billion for the fiscal year 2083/84, had already collected Rs 12.55 billion by late Kartik.
According to Customs Chief Ananta Timsina, 2,603 cargo containers had entered Nepal through the border point by Kartik 26. In the last three months alone, the office recorded the import of 6,829 electric vehicles (EVs) along with various spare parts. Major imports through the Korala point include readymade garments, footwear, bags, smart cards, and textiles.
Despite the sharp rise in revenue, the office faces significant infrastructure challenges. Timsina noted that there is a lack of adequate customs yards, warehouses, and staff housing. The facility also struggles with inconsistent electricity supply and lacks backup systems like solar power or inverters. Furthermore, the absence of essential government agencies such as quarantine, immigration, and banking services complicates daily operations. ‘There are no quarantine, immigration, bank, and other government and supporting agencies at the customs, which causes problems in conducting customs operations,’ Timsina said.
Meanwhile, the Triveni customs point in Nawalpur, another gateway in Gandaki province, remains a minor border crossing. As it primarily handles daily essential goods like rice, lentils, corn, and potatoes rather than large-scale commercial imports, its revenue contribution remains low.
