Nepal Protest Over Tax On Indian Imports
A fresh protest has erupted in Nepal over the government’s move to strictly enforce customs duty on goods brought in from India if their value exceeds NPR 100. The issue has triggered strong reactions in border regions, especially among communities that depend on small cross-border purchases for daily household needs and local trade.
Nepal Protest Over Tax On Indian Goods
The protest was reported in Birgunj and also drew attention in Kathmandu, where demonstrators opposed the customs rule and demanded relief for border residents. The new enforcement has affected people in Nepal’s southern plains, particularly in the Terai region, where everyday movement across the India-Nepal border is closely tied to shopping, work and family links. Many residents say the rule is disrupting routine access to low-value essential items.
Nepal Customs Duty On Imports Above NPR 100
Under the stricter enforcement, customs duty is being levied on goods brought from India if their value crosses NPR 100. The policy began around the Nepali New Year period in mid-April and is being implemented more aggressively by authorities at border points. The stated aim is to curb revenue leakage and protect local markets, but critics argue it places an unfair burden on ordinary people who make frequent small purchases from across the border.
Border Trade Concerns Rise In Nepal
The customs action has also sparked concern among lawmakers and local communities in border districts, who say the move could hurt livelihoods and long-standing people-to-people ties with India. For many families in these areas, informal low-value trade and shopping across the border are part of daily life. The growing protests suggest that the issue is no longer only about revenue collection, but also about local economic stress and public dissatisfaction.
