Since mid-April, Nepal has enforced a new customs duty of up to 80% on goods valued over ₹100 (NPR 100) imported from India, impacting cross-border shopping significantly. Previously, small purchases were exempt from duties, allowing shoppers to bring in goods worth ₹200-500 without scrutiny. However, the new regulations require taxes on even minor items, leading to long queues at border points like Birgunj, Biratnagar, and Bhairahawa. Local authorities have announced that no exemptions will be granted, resulting in the confiscation of millions in goods. The rule has triggered protests in border regions, particularly in Bihar and Uttarakhand, where communities rely on open, untaxed borders for affordable goods. Many low-income families, who depended on cheaper Indian products to manage domestic inflation, are now facing heightened costs and logistical challenges in their routine shopping. While the government aims to boost domestic revenue and local production, the low threshold for duty has made everyday purchases increasingly burdensome for the average citizen.