Customs Department Expands Digital Trade System as Nepal Moves Toward Paperless Cargo Verification

Nepal’s customs administration has taken another step toward digitising cross-border trade procedures by introducing an online system for Transport Information Verification (TIV) declarations through the Nepal National Single Window (NNSW) platform. The new arrangement is expected to simplify customs documentation, reduce manual processing, and improve transparency in cargo movement across border points.

The Department of Customs issued a circular to all customs offices directing them to implement the new TIV declaration system through the NNSW portal. With the new provision, importers, exporters, transport operators and customs agents will now be able to submit transport-related cargo details digitally instead of relying entirely on traditional physical procedures.

Transport Information Verification is one of the key processes in customs clearance. It involves declaring details such as the vehicle or container carrying goods, the origin of the shipment, the quantity of goods, the importer or transporter involved, and the customs checkpoint through which the cargo will pass. Until now, much of this process relied heavily on manual verification and physical submission of documents, which often created delays and increased administrative burdens.

Customs officials say integrating the TIV process into the Nepal National Single Window system is aimed at making customs operations more efficient and technology-driven. The NNSW platform was originally designed to connect multiple government agencies involved in trade and customs clearance under a single digital system. By adding TIV services into the platform, the government is trying to reduce duplication of paperwork and speed up cargo processing at customs points.

According to the notice issued on Baisakh 23, 2083 by the Information Technology System Governance and Development Branch under the Department of Customs, the TIV Declaration Portal was brought into operation following a departmental decision made on Baisakh 17. The department stated that users can now submit declarations directly through the NNSW portal and complete related procedures online.

The system also includes both manual payment and electronic payment options for service fees. Officials believe the addition of digital payment facilities could help reduce congestion at customs counters and minimise procedural complications for traders and transport companies. The move aligns with the government’s broader push toward electronic governance and digital public services.

The Department of Customs has instructed all customs offices and subordinate agencies to regularly operate TIV-related services through the NNSW portal. Authorities say consistent implementation across all customs points will be essential for ensuring uniformity in customs procedures and avoiding confusion among users.

As part of the digital expansion, the department has also added the TIV module link to its official website. In addition, users can access the declaration system by scanning a QR code, making the process more accessible for transport operators and customs agents working from different border locations.

Trade experts say the new arrangement could help improve Nepal’s trade facilitation environment if implemented effectively. Nepal has long faced criticism for slow customs clearance procedures, excessive paperwork, and delays in cargo handling, especially at major trade transit points such as Birgunj and Bhairahawa. Digital verification systems are expected to reduce human intervention, lower the possibility of procedural errors, and improve tracking of cargo movement.

However, experts also caution that the success of the system will depend largely on technical reliability, internet connectivity at border customs points, and the readiness of customs agents and transport operators to adapt to digital procedures. In several previous attempts at digital reform, inconsistent implementation and system downtime created operational difficulties for traders.

The latest move nonetheless signals that Nepal is gradually moving toward a more integrated and paperless customs management system. With increasing cross-border trade volumes and growing pressure to modernise trade infrastructure, customs digitisation is becoming increasingly important for improving logistics efficiency and strengthening Nepal’s overall trade competitiveness.

Officials believe that if the system operates smoothly, it could reduce cargo clearance time, strengthen monitoring of goods movement, and improve coordination between customs authorities and the private sector. For businesses involved in import and export, the transition may eventually lower administrative costs and make border trade procedures more predictable in the long run.