Plant Permit Delay Causing Major Disruption in Nepal’s Import Trade

Importers across Nepal are facing serious disruption after plant permits issued through the Nepal National Single Window (NNSW) system reportedly remained pending since Jestha 5, 2083 (May 5, 2026).

According to traders and importers, loaded trucks carrying goods are being held at customs yards in major border points including Birgunj, Biratnagar, and Nepalgunj due to the delay in plant quarantine permit approvals.

A formal complaint has been submitted to the Nepal National Single Window (NNSW) Help Desk and the Department of Customs Headquarters in Kathmandu requesting immediate action on the issue.

Traders say the system delay has resulted in:

* Heavy financial losses
* Demurrage and parking charges
* Delay in customs clearance
* Supply chain disruption in the market

Business representatives have urged concerned authorities to resolve the technical issue immediately and issue the pending plant permits as soon as possible.

The issue is currently affecting import flow and commodity movement across several customs checkpoints, creating concern among wholesalers and traders dependent on timely cargo clearance.

— Nepal Commodity Updates