Consumers' rights organisations demand government withdraw VAT on imports of vegetables, fruits

Kathmandu, June 22: Various organisations working for the protection of consumers' rights have demanded  a repeal of the government policy of imposing 13 percent additional tax on imported vegetables, fruits and foodstuffs. 

Nine percent service tax and 1.5 five advance tax  is already charged for imports agro produce including onions and potatoes along the customs point and an additional 13 percent VAT makes the imposition of  23.5 percent tax in total in such goods, causing an additional economic burden on consumers, they said. 

 The Forum for Protection of Consumers Rights- Nepal, National Consumers Forum Nepal, and Consumer Rights Investigation Forum today held a joint press meet today, expressing concerns over the government policy to impose an additional tax on daily consumer goods.

 More, they have demanded the government's prompt intervention in 'artificial shortage' and an 'unreasonable' price rise of consumer goods, and a monopoly and the roles of cartels in the supply chains. 

They want the government to take stern action against the supply of sub-standard goods, misleading advertising, artificial price rises, use of tampered weighing machine and moves against fair market competition. 

The government has also been urged to regularise market monitoring, making it more effective. (RSS)