As the Spring Festival approaches, the festive atmosphere permeates the Gyirong Port on the China-Nepal border in the high-altitude snow region. This vital gateway connecting the two nations is bustling with continuous truck traffic and vibrant trade, weaving together holiday spirit and commercial activity into a lively scene at the national border during the spring season.
In the early morning, sunlight crosses the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, illuminating the comprehensive service counter of Gyirong Customs, which operates under Lhasa Customs. Officers are already in position, fully prepared to welcome a new day of clearance services, using their professionalism and warmth to assist every cross-border traveler and foreign trade practitioner.
A traveler, Mr. Li, approached the counter early with his family, eager yet anxious about their self-drive tourism plans to Nepal. He inquired about the required exit procedures and processing time. Deputy Section Chief Gedan Ka of the Gyirong Customs Comprehensive Business Department reassured them with a smile, explaining that with the vehicle license, driver's license, and travel documents prepared, and by engaging a legitimate customs broker, the document review and clearance could be completed in just three minutes if all materials were in order. This clear and detailed explanation put Mr. Li at ease. After smoothly completing the procedures, he expressed his heartfelt thanks to the officers and embarked on their transnational Spring Festival journey.
Following the Li family, customs clearance procedures for a shipment of fresh fruit commenced. Crates of bright red apples, neatly packed and ready for dispatch, carrying the warmth of the new spring, were set to be transported to markets in Nepal. The customs broker, Lao Wan, hurried to the counter, expressing urgency and hope for a swift release of the goods to meet shelf dates in Nepal.
While guiding a new officer, Xiao Liu, through the operational system, Gedan Ka pointed out key details on the screen. He emphasized the importance of accurately classifying the apples under the correct commodity code '0808' and meticulously cross-checking all electronic record information to ensure a perfect match between the declaration and the goods. He noted that this precision is crucial for both efficient clearance and maintaining the integrity of national border security. Xiao Liu focused intently on the screen, carefully completing each step of the review process and diligently noting key operational points.
According to statistics, in January 2026 alone, Gyirong Port exported agricultural and sideline products, including fresh apples, valued at 43.7719 million yuan, marking a year-on-year increase of 87.58%. The export volume reached 1,922.85 tons, a growth of 27.78% compared to the same period last year. This robust performance ahead of the Spring Festival and Tibetan New Year holidays signifies a strong start to the year for foreign trade, adding luster to the festive season with impressive results.
Between document reviews, an inquiry call came in from a company representative urgently seeking clarification on the 'zero tariff' policy for Nepalese handicrafts. Gedan Ka patiently explained that, effective December 1, 2024, China applies a zero tariff rate to 100% of tariff lines for products originating from the least developed countries with which it has diplomatic relations, and that procedures to claim these benefits can be handled directly at Gyirong Port. Concerned that the details might be overwhelming, Gedan Ka proactively offered further assistance, suggesting he could help review specific product names and specifications to ensure a clear understanding of regulatory requirements and key declaration points for smoothly accessing the policy benefits. The company representative repeatedly expressed gratitude.
As dusk settled and the port's hustle gradually quieted, Gedan Ka and his colleagues reviewed the day's work, checked clearance records, summarized enterprise requests, and prepared for subsequent service coordination. Gedan Ka encouraged the team, noting the increased clearance demands as the holiday nears, and urged continued effort to ensure smooth travel for passengers and peace of mind for businesses during the festival.
This year marks Gedan Ka's tenth Spring Festival stationed at Gyirong Port. Over the past decade, he has witnessed the port's growing prosperity and the annual increase in passengers and cargo. He takes great pride in working with his colleagues to safeguard the national gateway and optimize services. Reflecting on his role, Gedan Ka expressed that the warmth of the Spring Festival is embedded in every patient explanation, stamped on every release document, and embodied in the officers' dedication from dawn until dusk.
At the China-Nepal border, over 800 kilometers from Lhasa, the customs officers at Gyirong treat their posts as their home and their duty as their commitment. They use their expertise to fortify the national border and their dedication to enhance clearance services, allowing the warmth of the new spring to radiate across the snowy frontier and making the pledge of 'People's Customs for the People' shine brightly through their steadfastness.