December 10: The government has decided to issue Certificate of Origin to the products made in Nepal from the raw materials imported from third countries in order to curb unauthorized export of such products. The move comes after India’s accusation that Nepal has been importing unrefined palm oil and then exporting the products without refining them to India.

From now on, importers can bring food products from overseas only upon the recommendation from the authorised government body formed to regulate food market of the country.

Nepali importers have been facing accusation that they have been importing food products like pepper, beetle nuts and dates from third countries without authorization and then exporting them to India. Therefore India has banned the import of these products from Nepal.

The Certificate of Origin stands as a proof that the products are manufactured in Nepal.

Prior to this, the government had increased customs duty and allowed export of limited products in order to discourage unauthorized export.

India has been accusing Nepal of exporting products imported from countries like Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia as its own product. India made such accusation during the recent secretary-level meeting between the two countries to discuss trade-related issues.

The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies believes that the issuance of Certificate of Origin will promote lawful business.

“Unauthorised business will come to a halt one the Certificate of Origin is issued,” said joint secretary Urmila KC, adding, “This will be beneficial for the country’s industries.”