JHAPA: The Mechi Customs Office at Kakarbhitta, the eastern border point, has begun trial implementation of the ‘Online Valuation Software’ system.
Under the new system, the actual customs valuation of commercial goods will be determined on the basis of transaction prices rather than a reference price list, according to Shivalal Neupane, Chief Tax Officer at the Mechi Customs Office.
The online valuation software is being tested at eight customs offices nationwide, including Mechi Customs. In Jhapa, the system has been implemented at both the Mechi and Bhadrapur customs offices since the second week of December.
Neupane said the new system would help curb revenue leakage by encouraging legitimate trade. He noted that the World Trade Organization has long urged its member states to adopt online valuation systems in line with international best practices.
Uttar Kumar Khatri, joint secretary at the Ministry of Finance, who inaugurated the system, said it would reduce various forms of irregularities and informal transactions in customs operations.
He added that the government is promoting good governance and taxpayer-friendly arrangements at customs offices and called on the private sector to support effective implementation of the system.
The Mechi Customs Office has set a revenue collection target of Rs 18.87 billion and Rs 7.483 million for the fiscal year 2025/26. Of this target, Rs 6.82 billion and Rs 2.72 million has already been collected during the first five months of the current fiscal year.
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