KATHMANDU: A report prepared by Department of Revenue Investigation (DoRI) shows smuggling of goods through seven customs offices in the eastern region is on the rise. Khim Kuwar, director of DoRI, said the department’s investigation has confirmed smuggling and revenue leakage in Rajbiraj Customs Office, Siraha Customs Office, Biratnagar Customs Office, Mechi Customs Office, Pashupatinagar Customs Office, Rangali Customs Office and Setubandhu Customs Office.
Kunwar made public the report at a program organized by High-level Revenue Leakage Monitoring Committee on Wednesday.
“We have found that illegal import of goods from countries other than India is high through these customs points,” Kunwar said, adding “We have kept all custom offices in the eastern region in ‘high-risk zone’ for revenue leakage and smuggling.”
According to him, apparel, hardware products, food items and electronic parts are being smuggled through these custom offices.
Use of same invoice time and again to import goods, under invoicing, no VAT record of different imported goods, and import and export of Nepali goods by giving them foreign brands were some of the anomalies that we found at the customs offices, said Kunwar.
Sources say some traders are involved in smuggling of goods with the help of customs officials and police personnel.
Meanwhile, Chuda Mani Sharma, director general of Inland Revenue Department (IRD), vowed to take action against customs officials and traders if they are found involved in illegal activities. “We will first identify custom offices with high risk of smuggling and revenue leakage around the nation and take actions accordingly,” he added.
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