Only two of the 11 sub-customs offices in Parsa and Bara under the Birgunj Customs Office are currently operational. Although the government has introduced strict rules requiring customs duty on goods worth over Rs100 brought from India to increase revenue, most of the offices meant to process these payments remain closed.

In Parsa, only the Thori office is operational, while in Bara only the Matiarwa office is functioning. Long-term closures have affected the Piparpati, Simraungadh, Kabahi and Kachorwa offices in Bara. Similarly, the Sirsiya, Bhiswa, Alau, Gadh Prasauni and Janakitola offices in Parsa are also shut.

Over the past two weeks, security forces have tightened border checks. While Birgunj is the country’s main land crossing point, there are several other routes through rural areas.

These sub-customs offices are reported to have been closed due to a shortage of staff. The situation has made it difficult for Nepali consumers living near the border to pay duties and legally bring goods across.

Many of the border towns where these offices were located have developed into busy markets. Every day, a significant number of Nepalis cross into Indian markets for shopping. With no functional customs offices at these points, the government is losing a substantial amount of daily revenue.

As there are no operational customs offices at several border points, importers are unable to pay tax even if they wish to do so. Residents in Simraungadh had staged protests demanding the reopening of their sub-customs office, which has remained closed since the COVID-19 pandemic, but it has still not resumed regular operation.

The operational sub-customs offices are staffed by only one junior officer and an office assistant. Krishna Prasad Mainali, chief customs administrator of the Birgunj Customs Office, said the current policy is to gradually phase out smaller sub-customs points.

“Opening customs offices in every village actually increases smuggling,” he said. “It also weakens the main customs office. Our policy is to operate only one or two sub-customs points and leave other border crossings under the supervision of the Armed Police Force.”

He added that running a sub-customs office involves more than just appointing staff. Mainali stated that it requires computer systems, banking facilities, and food and animal quarantine services, making it difficult to keep all small offices operational.