Kathmandu- Legislators have emphasized the need to make the provision for appointing customs agents more effective.
Speaking at the Finance Committee meeting on Friday, lawmakers raised concerns that although the government appoints customs agents through a systematic examination process, the outcomes of this approach remain unclear. They questioned the contribution of customs agents to Nepal’s revenue, pointing out the lack of transparency in the system.
During the same meeting, Sunita Baral, Whip of the Communist Party of Nepal (UML), addressed members of the amendment committee reviewing the bill to amend and consolidate customs laws. She called for improvements to the current system of appointing customs agents, stating that while the process is systematic, it still requires further refinement.
Baral also suggested that the bill should address operational challenges faced by licensed holders. She proposed that in cases where geographical factors require traveling through a foreign country to reach another region within Nepal, the bill should clearly state that no duties should be levied on goods transported in this manner.
Meanwhile, Manish Jha, a legislator from the Rastriya Swatantra Party, stressed the need for customs officials to stay updated with the latest technological advancements in the field. He warned that without a solid plan, the customs department would struggle to make progress over the next five years. Jha recommended that the department review its technology annually and focus on enhancing the capacity of its employees.