Kathmandu, Nepal and India have formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in the Exchange of Pre-Arrival Information of Export of Goods for Trade Facilitation and Customs Control to strengthen trade facilitation and customs management between the two countries.

The signing ceremony took place on Magh 7, 2082 B.S. (January 21, 2026) in New Delhi, India. On behalf of Nepal, the MoU was signed by Mr. Shyam Prasad Bhandari, Director General of the Department of Customs, while Mr. Vivek Chaturvedi, Chairman of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC), signed on behalf of India.

The agreement establishes a framework for exchanging export data in advance of goods arrival, enabling both countries to conduct risk analysis. This practice is aligned with international standards where pre-arrival data sharing helps facilitate legitimate trade, improves customs control, and reduces processing time at border points.

The MoU was developed collaboratively between Nepal’s Department of Customs and India’s CBIC. A draft of the agreement was discussed with all relevant stakeholders in Nepal before being finalized. The Government of Nepal, through the Council of Ministers, approved the MoU and authorized the Director General of the Department of Customs to sign the agreement.

Key provisions of the MoU include:

• Enhancing customs control and trade facilitation through advanced risk analysis,

• Reducing time spent in customs processes by exchanging export information electronically,

• Using shared information strictly in accordance with the terms of the MoU,

• Designating contact points in both countries for implementation,

• Initially piloting the arrangement on selected goods with plans to expand to all exports,

• Resolving any disputes through mutual consultation or diplomatic channels, and

• Allowing amendments to the MoU by mutual agreement.

Speaking at the ceremony, Director General Mr. Bhandari expressed gratitude to the Indian side for organizing the event and emphasized the need for rapid implementation of the MoU. He noted that sharing pre-arrival export data would support risk-based targeting of high-risk goods, streamline customs procedures, and provide faster clearance for compliant traders.

CBIC Chairman Mr. Chaturvedi welcomed the MoU and affirmed India’s commitment to its timely implementation.

The signing event was attended by a delegation of four senior Nepalese customs officials, alongside the CBIC Chairman and other senior Indian officials.