India Lifts Ban on Nepali Goods Export Following BIS Renewal

India has lifted the export ban on certain Nepali goods, including cement, corrugated sheets, and plywood, following the renewal of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification for these products.

The decision comes after extensive discussions between Nepali and Indian officials. Minister for Industry, Commerce, and Supplies, Damodar Bhandari, had earlier raised the issue with his Indian counterpart, Piyush Goyal, during his visit to India. The matter was also prioritized in the Nepal-India Commerce Secretary-level meeting on January 11-12, where Nepal strongly advocated for the renewal of BIS certification to facilitate exports and ensure the uninterrupted sale of Nepali products in Indian markets.

The lack of BIS certification had halted cement exports for five months and plywood exports for a month, causing significant disruption for Nepali manufacturers. Entrepreneurs had urged the Nepal government to intervene and expedite the renewal process.

With the BIS certification now renewed, exports have resumed. Nepal Plywood Manufacturers Association Chairperson, Hom Prasad Ghimire, confirmed that around a dozen industries have already completed their BIS renewal. He added that 34 trucks carrying plywood, which were stuck at the Kakarvitta checkpoint, will now be cleared for export.

India has made BIS certification mandatory for several goods, including cement, corrugated sheets, sanitary pads, and footwear. The recent resolution is expected to strengthen bilateral trade and provide relief to Nepali industries reliant on the Indian market.