Custom offices resume following pact with agents

By TRN Online, Kathmandu, Dec 10: Customs agents who were not working by being dissatisfied with some provisions of the Customs Act are now set to resume their services after an agreement with Department of Customs.

The Customs Act 2025 was brought to force on December 7.

The halt had begun on Tuesday when agents stopped work, saying several provisions in the Customs Act 2025 undermined their professional rights, made their work more difficult and created conditions that could hinder international trade.

Information Officer of the Department of Customs, Kishor Bartaula, told the Gorkhapatra Online that some of the provisions and penalties in the Customs Act 2025 were raised, some issues will be clarified as regulations are in the process of being formulated, and some issues will need attention from all parties. Therefore, all customs offices across the country have come into operation from today."

Various demands have been submitted to the Customs Department on behalf of the Federation of Customs Agents, including those that are of a nature to improve management and be addressed by the department and office.

It has been decided to send a notification to the Ministry of Finance regarding appropriate demands that should be gradually implemented by the department and office and addressed in the regulations.

Director Bartaula said that with this decision, all offices have been operational.

There are 9 in the north, 29 in the south, three in the international airports, and a dry port in Chobhar, Kathmandu.