Birgunj Customs Office, a crucial import and export hub, fell short of its revenue goals for the first ten months of the current fiscal year (2080/81). They only achieved 62.82% of their target by the end of Baisakh.

Shortfall Across Categories

According to their website, the office aimed to collect Rs 202.9 billion but only managed Rs 127.46 billion. This shortfall occurred across all categories except road construction and maintenance fees.

· Import duties: Rs 47.24 billion collected (60.88% of target)

· Value Added Tax (VAT): Rs 54.27 billion collected (63.99% of target) - highest revenue source

· Excise duties: Rs 8.52 billion collected (70.35% of target)

Reasons for Decline

Officials attribute the decline to decreased imports of key items like vehicles, fuel, and industrial raw materials. Additionally, Nepal's exports (processed food, fabrics, etc.) have fallen due to India's zero customs duty policy on oil imports, causing Indian traders to look elsewhere.