Saturday, June 4, 2016

Follow up: India opening Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Birgunj-Raxaul check

June 3rd, 2016 :
India has started preparations to start operations of Integrated Check Post (ICP) on its side of the Birgunj-Raxaul border, while the infrastructure on the Nepali side is yet to be completed. But Nepali traders have expressed concern that the operation of the ICP on the Indian side could disrupt normal trade through the Birgunj customs point because of the longer distance they have to travel to reach the ICP for customs clearance works.

All the services necessary for export-import such as customs, immigration, quarantine and banks, among others, are available at the ICP and such facilities are being built on the either side of the border. India has taken the responsibility of building the ICPs on both the sides. India plans to start operations of the ICP on its side from Friday. During an interaction with Nepali stakeholders last week, Indian customs official Binayak Chandra Gupta had informed about India’s plans. The Land Port Authority of India is responsible for operating the Indian ICP. The Indian authority will conduct customs clearance-related works at the ICP based at Panatoka, Raxual and send the goods through the Birgunj customs.