People living near the India-Nepal border have received some relief. The Nepal government has increased the duty-free limit on goods brought across the border from 100 Nepalese rupees to 500 Nepalese rupees.
Earlier, customs duty was charged on goods worth more than 100 Nepalese rupees (around ₹62.50).
Now, travelers can bring personal-use items worth up to 500 Nepalese rupees (around ₹312) into Nepal without paying customs duty.
What Has Changed Under the New Rule?
According to a gazette notification issued by Nepal’s Finance Ministry, the new rule came into effect on Wednesday.
Under this decision, people crossing the border by land can carry personal items worth up to 500 Nepalese rupees without paying any customs duty.
The move is expected to benefit small traders, laborers, farmers, and ordinary consumers who regularly purchase daily-use goods across the border. It will also reduce paperwork, formalities, and disputes related to small purchases.
Officials believe the decision could increase business activity in border markets and strengthen local economic and social ties between India and Nepal.
Why Did Nepal Change the Rule?
Earlier, Nepal had imposed strict restrictions on goods worth more than 100 Nepalese rupees. The decision triggered protests in border areas, with many people and traders expressing dissatisfaction.
The issue was even raised in Nepal’s Parliament. Following widespread protests and public pressure, the Nepal government decided to revise the rule and increase the exemption limit.
Under the new system, customs officials can allow personal-use goods worth up to 500 Nepalese rupees to enter Nepal without charging duty if there is a valid reason.
Relief Continues for Students
The government has also continued the special exemption for Nepali students studying in India. Students will still be allowed to bring tablets and laptops into Nepal for personal use without paying additional customs fees.
Officials from Nepal’s Mayaganj Small Customs Service confirmed that the duty-free exemption limit has officially been increased from 100 Nepalese rupees to 500 Nepalese rupees.
Border Residents Want a Higher Limit
While many people welcomed the decision, citizens and traders on both sides of the border say the government has not fully addressed their concerns.
They point out that 500 Nepalese rupees is equal to only about ₹312 in Indian currency, which they believe is too low for regular shopping and small-scale trade in border regions.
Many residents have demanded that Nepal further increase the duty-free limit to at least ₹2,000 in Indian currency to provide meaningful relief to border communities and traders.
