RUPANDEHI: Market activity in the Sunauli border area has picked up on the Nepali side following stricter customs enforcement aimed at regulating the import of goods from India.
Local traders say the mandatory collection of customs duty on goods worth more than Rs 100 has encouraged consumers to shift their purchases to domestic markets, boosting business on the Nepali side while reducing informal cross-border shopping.
With stricter monitoring in place, consumers who previously relied on Indian markets for everyday purchases are now increasingly shopping in Nepali stores. Business leaders also report a decline in frequent cross-border shopping, which had long affected local trade.
Rupandehi Chamber of Commerce President Sachin Rokka said the enforcement aligns with long-standing demands from the private sector. “We have been raising this issue for a long time. Smuggling must be controlled, including informal movement of goods at night and repeated small-scale imports in the name of household needs,” he said, adding that stricter monitoring is essential to prevent revenue leakage.
Former president of Siddhartha Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Bishnu Prasad Sharma, said it is important to correct the perception that goods are cheaper in India. “In many cases, products are equally or even more affordable in Nepal. We welcome the government’s step, but illegal imports must be effectively controlled,” he said.
Similarly, Nepal Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Lumbini Province President Thakur Kumar Shrestha said tighter customs enforcement would strengthen both revenue collection and the domestic market.
“When business activity increases within the country, it directly supports the national economy,” he said, adding that unchecked cross-border shopping had also contributed to misuse of the system.
Meanwhile, Customs Officer and Information Officer at Bhairahawa Customs Office, Belhiya, Uddhav Dhungana said the office is implementing existing rules more strictly. He said travelers bringing small quantities for personal use are being handled flexibly, but commercial-scale imports are being taxed as per regulations.
According to officials, the Rs 100 customs threshold policy has long existed, but weak enforcement previously allowed goods to enter without proper duty payment. Locals say the situation is now changing as compliance is being strictly monitored.
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