To address the additional costs and logistical challenges faced by areca nut producers from other regions, the government of Bhutan is actively engaging with India to include more land customs stations (LCS) for areca nut exports. Formal requests have been sent by the Government of Bhutan to the Government of India to allow exports through (i) Hatisar-Gelephu, (ii) Daranga-Samdrup Jongkhar, (iii) Kulkuli-Lhamoizingkha, and (iv) Kamardwisa-Nganglam. The matter was discussed during the Bhutan-India Joint Group Custom Meetings held on 6-7 May 2024.  

The Government of India approved the annual import of 17,000 metric tons of fresh areca nuts from Bhutan starting 3 July 2023. According to Foreign Affairs and External Trade Minister, Mr. D. N. Dhungyel, while imports were initially allowed only through the Land Custom Station (LCS) in Jaigaon-Phuntsholing, following further requests, the Government of India has also permitted imports through Chamurchi-Samtse. 

The Government of Bhutan has been actively working on expanding export routes of areca nuts to India in response to the challenges faced by areca nut producers in southern Bhutan. During the 7th Sitting of the National Assembly session, Mr. Tek Bahadur Rai, Member of Parliament from Shompangkha Constituency, highlighted the difficulties faced by farmers due to the limitation of export gateway, despite being allowed by India to import up to 17,000 metric tons of Bhutanese doma. 

Related link 

Four additional routes identified for export of areca nut (doma) to India