KATHMANDU: An expressway system will now be used for the customs clearance of goods sent abroad and imported through postal services in Nepal.
According to Manmaya Bhattarai Pangeni, the arrangement has been introduced through coordination among the Department of Postal Services Nepal, Tribhuvan International Airport Customs Office and the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal to facilitate courier services handled through the postal system.
She said using the expressway will make postal consignments faster, safer and more reliable. A dedicated customs clearance system will also be established at Tribhuvan International Airport specifically for postal couriers.
Authorities have also arranged for services to continue on public holidays. While the Goshwara Hulak Office Dillibazar had previously remained open during holidays, customs clearance was often delayed because the customs office and banks were closed.
Following complaints about service disruptions due to a lack of inter-agency coordination, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology Nepal took interest in the issue. After directives from Communications Minister Dr. Bikram Timilsina, the postal department coordinated with the Department of Customs Nepal to ensure smoother services even during public holidays.
Director General of the customs department Shyam Prasad Bhandari said offices have already been instructed to facilitate customs clearance of postal goods during holidays.
Officials say the use of courier services through postal channels has been increasing in recent years. In the month of Falgun alone, more than 19,200 parcels, small packets, letters, registered mails and book posts arrived from abroad through the Dillibazar office, while around 11,700 items were exported. The transactions generated approximately Rs 2.9 million in customs revenue.
Authorities expect the expressway system and holiday services to improve convenience for service users while also strengthening the operational performance of postal offices.
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