KATHMANDU: Imports of electric vehicles (EVs) through the Rasuwagadhi-Timure border point with China increased significantly in the fiscal year 2025/26, reflecting growing demand for electric mobility in Nepal.
According to the Rasuwa Customs Office, more than 6,500 small and large electric vehicles entered Nepal through the northern border during the fiscal year.
The imported vehicles included electric cars, jeeps, vans and minibuses, transported from various Chinese cities via Kerung.
The surge in EV imports also led to a substantial increase in customs revenue.
The customs office said it collected more than Rs 15 billion in revenue from the customs clearance and duties on electric vehicles alone during the fiscal year.
EV imports accounted for more than 60 percent of the office’s total revenue collection.
Although the government revised tax rates on electric vehicles through the budget for fiscal year 2082/83, imports remained strong due to sustained demand for Chinese EV brands.
Officials attributed the growing popularity of EVs to their lower operating costs, environmental benefits and advanced technology compared to conventional fuel-powered vehicles.
Rasuwagadhi emerging as key EV entry point
Located relatively close to Kathmandu, the Rasuwagadhi border has become the primary gateway for businesses importing vehicles from China.
Customs officials said the border point is increasingly developing into Nepal’s main hub for EV imports, with most freight trucks arriving at the customs yard carrying electric vehicles.
They also credited improved road infrastructure on the Chinese side, technology-driven customs procedures and streamlined clearance processes for facilitating higher imports.
Despite the growth in imports, the fiscal year was also overshadowed by an administrative controversy involving EV customs clearance.
Before the annual budget announcement, authorities uncovered an attempt by some traders and customs officials to illegally process the customs clearance of around 200 electric vehicles that had not yet arrived at the border.
Following the discovery, the Ministry of Finance and the Department of Customs suspended 13 customs officials, including the then Chief Customs Officer, and initiated departmental action.
The customs office said a new leadership team has since introduced more transparent, systematic and efficient customs clearance procedures.
Meanwhile, construction of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) and dry port at Timure has entered its final phase.
Customs authorities expect the new infrastructure to significantly improve vehicle management, customs clearance and cross-border trade activities from the fiscal year 2083/84 onward.
Officials expressed confidence that the commercial importance of the Rasuwagadhi border point will continue to grow in the coming years.
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