Kathmandu, 10 December (H.S.):

Customs operations across Nepal came to a complete standstill on Wednesday after customs agents launched a nationwide pen-down strike in protest against several provisions of the newly implemented Customs Act. The disruption has severely affected import and export activities throughout the country.

The new law, which came into effect on Saturday, has drawn criticism from customs brokers who claim that the penalties are excessively harsh and that documentation and clearance procedures are impractical. In response, the agents suspended all work at customs offices nationwide starting Tuesday morning, bringing cross-border trade to a halt.

The Federation of Customs Agents’ Associations of Nepal, which called for the protest, said that cargo clearance and verification processes have been suspended, disrupting import and export flows. Talks held with the Customs Department on Tuesday ended inconclusively, leading to continued disruption on Wednesday.

Customs Department officials acknowledged the concerns raised but noted that some of the contentious provisions are linked to the broader legal framework and cannot be amended immediately without revising financial legislation.

Director General of the Customs Department, Shyam Bhandari, said, “Issues of operational nature will be addressed immediately. The department is committed to reforms that simplify customs procedures and enhance efficiency.” He added that technical improvements such as increasing server speed and streamlining workflow were being prioritized for swift action.

Following the meeting, representatives of the federation issued a press release stating that discussions with the department were continuing and that authorities had given positive indications toward finding a resolution.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar