April 14: Trucks and containers with goods stopped at the border by Indian customs have started entering Nepal through Biratnagar customs from Tuesday evening.

Hundreds of cargo vehicles were stopped across the Biratnagar border after the Central Customs Department of India imposed new rules on goods supplied to Nepal from India.

More than 300 cargo vehicles were stopped at the Jogbani area on the Indian side of the border across Biratnagar after Indian customs suspected that the goods being supplied to Nepal from India for industrial and commercial purposes could be used to make weapons or explosives.

Devaki Sharma, president of the Biratnagar Customs Agents Association, said, "Many cargo vehicles were stopped towards the Indian side. Those cargo have started coming since Tuesday.”

Vehicles carrying various chemicals, vitamins and herbs, medical powders, medical chemicals, vaccines, insulin, and animal vaccines were stopped by India. Likewise, the Indian side banned adhesive gum and turpentine class items, PVC sets, plastic materials, glass and glassware, zinc, nickel, sulfur, and iron window doors.

According to the customs office, industrial machinery, electrical goods, motor parts, and medical equipment were also stopped. The customs agents' association said that the company, industry, or firm supplying goods to Nepal should now onwards fill a form stating the purpose for which the goods are being exported. The goods are then subject to approval by the Indian customs.

According to chairperson Sharma, after the imposition of the new rules by India, the agents of Biratnagar Customs approached the Assistant Commissioner of Jogbani Customs, Ashok Das, to facilitate export. As per a circular issued by the Central Customs Department of India, the export of goods has been tightened. Chief of the Biratnagar Customs, Tara Prasad Sapkota, said that the team facilitated the import after receiving information that the goods coming to Nepal were stopped in India.