December 14: Electronic Date Interchange (EDI) system has been implemented since the last three months on goods imported to Nepal from third countries via Kolkata Port. Although the system was introduced to make the customs clearance process fast and transparent, the importers are yet to benefit from the scheme.

This system is implemented for goods entering Nepal under the Customs Transit Declaration (CTD). It was said that the importers could complete all required procedures from their office for importing the goods using the EDI system. However, the importers complain that they have to be present at the customs office of the port in person to clear the goods.

This system was made mandatory at Kolkata Port from late September to remove the hassles of paper works for transit of goods from third countries. This system was available before that period but was reportedly not implemented effectively due to the vested interests of the customs officials at the port.

Nepali importers say that although the system is mandatory, they still have to go through the same old process. One of the importers complained that the completion of customs clearance process through online medium would deny the port customs officials from making under-the-table income and therefore they have not implemented it properly.

Indian authorities had made the new system mandatory for Nepal-bound goods. The system is fully implemented for goods imported by India for itself since before. But the customs officials are unwilling to implement it for Nepal-bound goods.

Most of the cargo entering Nepal from Kolkata have to undergo CTD. In the first eight months of 2020, a total of 34,000 Nepal-bound containers have arrived at the port. 

Among them, 23,400 containers entered Nepal through road way, according to Nepal Transshipment and Warehouse Management Company. CTD containers are also transported through railway.

Nepali importers say that the is a provision to fill the form online for the Customs Transit Declaration. However they say they are still called to the port with all the files.

“When there is no contact with the agent, the port customs officials cannot make unauthorized and illegal income. Therefore, they have not been complying with the system under various pretexts,” said the importer requesting not to be named.

“Some people working for the Nepali importers are also involved in it,” added the source.

Under the CTD process, importers have to submit the bill of the goods, packing list, certificate of origin, and the certificate provided by the Kolkata-based consulate to the port. According to the customs house agent, all these documents can be submitted online if the EDI is implemented properly.

Nepal’s Consul General at  Kolkata-based Consulate Ishwar Raj Poudel says that they are trying to resolve the problems related to this issue.

“We are making efforts to make the EDI system fully automated,” said Poudel.

Nepali importers have also suggested the consulate to make provisions to amend the mistakes and to change the route in EDI system.