India Agrees to Recognize Nepal’s Certificate of Origin in Boost to Bilateral Trade Facilitation

A two-day meeting between customs officials of Nepal and India, aimed at enhancing bilateral trade facilitation, concluded on Friday with key agreements that are expected to significantly streamline cross-border trade processes.

One of the major outcomes of the meeting was India’s agreement to recognize the certificate of origin issued by Nepal. This move is expected to ease customs procedures and promote smoother trade flows between the two countries. The officials also agreed to transition toward a paperless customs system and work to reduce overall logistics costs.

According to Mahesh Bhattarai, Director General of Nepal’s Department of Customs, both countries have pledged stronger cooperation to tackle illegal trade and revenue leakage. Measures such as the exchange of advance information on imports and exports and the development of border infrastructure were also prioritized.

The two sides discussed extending the electronic cargo tracking system—currently used for third-country railway trade via India—to road transport as well. Enhancing quarantine facilities along the Nepal-India border also featured prominently in the discussions.

Infrastructural commitments include the expedited completion of Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) in Bhairahawa and Chandani Dodhara, as well as the extension of rail cargo services up to Biratnagar.

The meeting was co-chaired by Nepal’s Director General Bhattarai and India’s Director General of the Customs Intelligence Directorate, Abhay Kumar Shreevastav.