Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: The government has formed a committee to examine whether customs duties were evaded in the import of 779 electric vehicles (EVs) from China, which were seized by separate teams from the Armed Police Force (APF) Nepal, from different parts of the country.
The committee was formed on Thursday at the direction of the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers. It comprises representatives from the Ministry of Finance, the Department of Customs, Nepal Police and the APF Nepal.
The move comes a day after the APF impounded more electric vehicles imported from China through the Korala and Rasuwagadhi border points on suspicion of revenue leakage and customs irregularities.
According to Deepa Dahal, Press and Research Adviser to Prime Minister Balendra Shah, the government acted swiftly to initiate a formal investigation in line with its commitment to good governance and revenue protection.
“The committee has already begun a rapid investigation and has reached the sites where the vehicles are being held,” Dahal said. “Since the number of vehicles is substantial, a detailed review and authentication of all legal and customs documents may take some time.”
Dahal said the government was committed to strengthening law enforcement and safeguarding state revenues.
While the authorities have not disclosed details of the brands or the names of the importing companies for these vehicles, most of the seized vehicles are reportedly BYD cars imported by Cimex Inc.
In a statement issued on Thursday evening, Cimex maintained that all the cars imported by them were cleared through customs in full compliance with the prevailing laws, customs regulations and procedures of the Government of Nepal. “We have not, at any stage, benefited from any special privileges, priority processing, or unauthorised customs arrangements. Nor have we requested or received any such facility.”
According to the company, the vehicles were imported to fulfil bookings already confirmed by customers and to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles in Nepal. “Allegations that Cimex Inc coordinated with government agencies to avoid tax changes or obtained any undue advantage are completely baseless, false, and damaging to the company’s reputation,” it added.
