Trend of exporting betel nut imported from third countries to India from Nepal has increased as Indian importers are more interested on importing betel nut from Nepal to avoid excessive customs duty.
Traders said betel nuts imported from Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia are entering into the southern neighbor through Nepal. Nepal has imposed maximum of 35 percent duty, including customs, on the import of betel nuts.
Truck loads of betel nuts that enter Nepal through Birgunj customs are making their way into Indian cities of Kanpur, Nagpur and Banaras through Biratnagar customs, a Biratnagar-based trader said.
“Traders in Biratnagar are fully dependent on India market. The illegal trade is flourishing in Jogbani and Rangeli customs. The illegal trade came into light after Indian police seized five containers of betel nuts at Jogbani customs,” the trader added.
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