KATHMANDU: The government has temporarily relaxed its decision requiring Maximum Retail Price (MRP) labeling at the customs checkpoint, ending a recent import bottleneck at major border points.

The Department of Customs has allowed importers to self-declare MRP at the time of clearance.

Goods can now be released immediately and labeled later in warehouses before entering the market. The rule will remain in effect for three months as a transitional arrangement.

The dispute had recently halted clearance at key entry points like Birgunj and Biratnagar, causing congestion of cargo trucks and a sharp drop in trade flow.

After the revision, customs clearance resumed, and revenue collection reportedly surged to Rs 1.59 billion in a single day.

Officials say the temporary arrangement aims to balance enforcement of consumer protection laws with practical trade operations, while a long-term legal solution is prepared in the upcoming fiscal policy.