Customs department for faster customs clearance of COVID-related medical supplies

KATHMANDU : The Department of Customs has directed the customs offices to prioritize essential COVID related items and focus on their fast clearance.

The department, issuing a ‘COVID-19 related items fast clearance manual, 2021’ has asked offices under its wings to facilitate the import of essential goods and expedite the process.

According to the manual, the chief of a customs office can form and mobilize a dedicated unit consisting of necessary staffers for fast clearance of COVID-related items. To make the management easy and swift, the customs office chief should make arrangements to operate clearance counters even at odd hours and during public holidays.

Medical grade oxygen, helmets for noninvasive ventilators, oxygen cylinders, oxygen plants, oxygen concentrators, masks, oxygen regulators, blood gas analyzers, ICU beds and Remdesivir, among others have been listed as essential items that are to be prioritized during inspection and clearance.

Although the Department of Customs will mobilize its resources for fast clearance, the listed items can be imported only if they pass the quality test. “The clearance will be provided only if the goods are of quality,” reads the manual, adding, “If their quality is yet to be tested or is in the process, the customs officer can allow it to enter Nepal with the condition that it can be used only after its result arrives.”