Nepal Erupts in Protest Over New Tax on Indian Imports

Apr 21, 2026

Birgunj [Nepal], April 21 (ANI): A protest has erupted in Nepal's Birgunj town, adjoining India, against the government directive to tax all sorts of items above NRS 100 being imported from India. The protest comes in the wake of the strict monitoring by the security agencies along the border points in the southern plains of Nepal, claimed to control the revenue leakage. The move comes amid complaints that residents in border areas frequently travel to Indian markets to purchase food items, clothing and other household goods, leading to sluggish local markets and loss of national revenue. The Armed Police Force (APF) has started urging people to mandatorily pay customs duty on goods worth more than Rs 100 brought in from India. Targeting ordinary citizens who previously enjoyed informal customs exemptions for small purchases and household items, the government has begun strictly enforcing a rule requiring mandatory customs duties on any goods valued over NRS. 100 rupees. Previously, motorcycles with such plates were frequently seen entering Nepal, and some individuals were even using them within the country.