Tightened border checks boost customs revenue collection in Kanchanpur

Kanchanpur: Revenue collection at customs points in Kanchanpur has increased following the tightening of border checkpoints.

According to the Kanchanpur Customs Office in Gaddachauki, 25 percent of the target revenue has been collected within the first eight days. The office, which had previously fallen short of its targets, now expects improved performance this year due to the rise in revenue collection. Information Officer Chakradev Bhatta informed that Rs 15.2 million in revenue has been collected as of Baisakh 8.

He stated that the collection rate is steadily increasing against the monthly target of Rs 68 million for Baisakh, adding that if the current trend continues, the office is likely to exceed its target this month. According to the office, only 92 percent of the Rs 58.3 million target was achieved in Chaitra, with total revenue collection reaching Rs 54.1 million.

Similarly, the office reported that revenue collection in Falgun was only 79 percent of the target, falling short by 21 percent. It also noted that smuggling activities have declined following stricter border control measures. The office has also begun collecting customs duty on goods valued above Rs 100 from passengers.

Despite the positive trend, Information Officer Bhatta said that inspections are time-consuming due to the non-functioning X-ray machine at the customs office, which has remained out of operation for the past decade. He added that monitoring illegal goods has become more challenging due to this issue, and the machine has not been repaired because of a shortage of manpower.