India and Nepal Strengthen Customs Cooperation

On 13th April 2025, India and Nepal agreed to tighten measures against cross-border smuggling of gold, narcotics, fake currency, and other contraband during the 21st Director-General level talks on Customs Cooperation held in Kathmandu.

Key Points

Joint Anti-Smuggling Push: Both India and Nepal agreed to strengthen intelligence sharing and coordination to combat smuggling activities, particularly involving gold, drugs, counterfeit notes, and restricted goods like e-cigarettes.
Neighbourhood First Policy: Nepal remains a crucial trade and strategic partner for India within its regional policy framework, with India being Nepal’s largest trading partner.
Tech-Driven Trade Facilitation: The two nations discussed the progress on initiatives like Pre-arrival Customs Data Exchange, the Electronic Origin Data Exchange System (EODES), and the Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS).
Infrastructure & Digitisation: Both countries reviewed efforts to digitise and automate transit processes, improve border infrastructure, and implement effective cargo movement systems.
Capacity Building: Nepal expressed its appreciation for India’s ongoing support in providing customs training and knowledge-sharing programmes for Nepali officials.
Future Focus: India and Nepal are committed to adopting new technologies and collaborative mechanisms aimed at enhancing trade efficiency and security.