#news #trade #Nepal #India
Kathmandu. A recent blockade put in place by India on the export of certain Nepali goods has been lifted. This blockade was due to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) requiring a renewal of certification for Nepali products such as cement, plywood, and other materials.
Months ago, Minister of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies, Damodar Bhandari, discussed this issue with his Indian counterpart, Piyush Goyal, during his visit to India. Bhandari emphasized the importance of facilitating the export of Nepali goods to India and streamlining sales and distribution in the Indian market.
During the Nepal-India Commerce Secretary-level meeting held on May 27 and 28, in-depth discussions were held on BIS certification, renewal, and export facilitation. After Nepal’s priorities were addressed, the Indian side expressed commitment to resolving the issues.
India has made BIS certification mandatory for the export of materials like cement, plywood, plaster, sanitary pads, and shoes. Failure to renew BIS certification led to a halt in the export of cement from Nepal to India for five months and plywood for one month. Business owners in Nepal had been pressuring the government to address the matter.
According to Homprasad Ghimire, President of the Nepal Plywood Producers Association, once BIS certification is obtained, exports will become easier. He mentioned that around a dozen industries have already renewed their BIS certification. Ghimire also shared that some time ago, 34 trucks of plywood meant for export to India were stuck due to the lack of BIS certification.
With about a month left for certification renewal, Ghimire estimated that three cement industries are currently exporting to India, with half a dozen others aiming to obtain BIS certification within a month.
Opinion from Ramesh Khatri, representative of Kansai Nepal News: “The resolution of the certification issue is a positive step towards improving trade relations between Nepal and India. It is crucial for both countries to address such obstacles promptly to ensure smooth and mutually beneficial trade.”
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Author: MAYA | HARUTO
Posted at: April 3, 2025 7:00 pm
