Impact on Border Life Following Imposition of Tax on Goods Valued Over 100 Rupees

The government has imposed mandatory customs duties on goods imported from India valued at 100 rupees or more. This policy has led to a decrease in movement and trade around the Gaurifanta border in Kailali district. According to statistics from the Armed Police Force, since the beginning of the month of Baishakh, daily vehicle traffic at the Gaurifanta border has declined by half. Pushkarraj Ojha, president of the Kailali Chamber of Commerce and Industry, expressed confidence that expanding the tax base will increase government revenue collection and curb illegal imports. (7 Baishakh, Dhangadhi)

The usual bustling activity at the Gaurifanta border in Kailali has noticeably slowed compared to previous days. The number of people carrying shopping bags crossing the border from morning till evening has diminished. The trading pace on both sides—the Gaurifanta market in India and the Dokebazar in Nepal—has slowed. Local traders have reported that the government’s decision to impose mandatory customs duties on goods imported from India valued at a minimum of 100 rupees has directly affected the livelihoods of people in the border region.

Nepalis who habitually crossed to India for small purchases have become fewer in number, causing a slowdown in economic activity in the border area. For Dalbahadur Bik, who runs a retail shop in Dokebazar, Ward-11 of Punarbas Municipality in Kanchanpur, the reduced shopping traffic is a serious concern for trade. He said, “Since the government has imposed taxes even on goods worth up to 100 rupees, fewer people are going to India for shopping. This has clearly impacted our business.”

According to the Armed Police Force data, 234 four-wheeled vehicles crossed the Gaurifanta border on 1 Baishakh. The numbers dropped to 232 on 2 Baishakh, 197 on 3 Baishakh, and 207 on 4 Baishakh. The police stated that the new provisions have helped control illegal imports.

Pushkarraj Ojha, president of Kailali Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stated, “It is a sound business practice to import goods only after paying taxes on each item. The tax base should be expanded to completely eradicate illegal imports.” He also emphasized the need to ensure seamless movement for laborers in the Far-Western region.