Nepalgunj, October 13: The number of Nepali shoppers visiting Rupaidiha, an Indian border market adjoining Nepalgunj, has declined following the Nepal government’s stricter enforcement of customs rules on goods brought into the country.

The tightened checks at the Jamunaha border point have discouraged many Nepalis from shopping across the border, as goods exceeding the prescribed duty-free limit are subject to customs duties. The move has also boosted shopping activity in markets on the Nepali side of the border.

Rupaidiha used to attract large numbers of Nepali shoppers, particularly during major festivals such as Dashain, Tihar and Chhath. However, stricter customs enforcement and lengthy queues at the border have reduced the flow of customers.

Krishna Prasad Shrestha, former chairperson of the Nepalgunj Chamber of Commerce, said changes in customs provisions and tighter border checks were the main reasons behind the decline in Nepali shoppers visiting the Indian market.

Since mid-April, the government has enforced restrictions on bringing goods worth more than 100 rupees into Nepal without customs clearance.

Sirjana Thapa of Puraina, Nepalgunj-21, said crossing the border had become inconvenient because of strict inspections and long queues. As a result, Rupaidiha no longer sees the bustle of Nepali shoppers that was common during the festival season, she added.

Meanwhile, the stricter border checks have benefited businesses in Nepalgunj. According to consumer rights activist Prabhat Kumar Thakuri, shopping malls and marts in the city have seen increased customer activity.

Thakuri said local traders should work together to provide a better shopping experience and attract more customers to Nepali markets. He also stressed the need for effective market monitoring to prevent excessive price hikes and black marketing during the festive season.

Chiranjivi Oli, chairperson of the Nepalgunj Chamber of Commerce, said incidents of smuggling had been declining following tighter border enforcement.