PARSA: Service delivery at the country’s largest import point, Birgunj Customs, has been disrupted for a week.

The halt follows attempts to enforce mandatory Maximum Retail Price (MRP) rules on imported goods. As a result, customs clearance has stopped for all items except essential petroleum products, industrial raw materials, and fruits and vegetables.

Since April 28, importers and exporters have not participated in the clearance process, leading to a growing backlog of cargo vehicles on the Indian side at Raxaul.

Officials say over 200 additional cargo vehicles are piling up daily, with around 1,400 vehicles currently stuck in the clearance process.

Customs officials say they are ready to proceed, but the process has stalled because traders are not completing required documentation. Authorities are coordinating to resolve the issue .

The MRP rule, introduced from April 28, has been opposed by importers and exporters. Meanwhile, long queues of cargo trucks have extended onto Indian roads, according to logistics officials.

Birgunj Customs typically collects Rs 500–600 million in daily revenue, and business leaders warn prolonged disruption will harm both the state and traders.