With the expansion of the international market for Nepali churpi, its export to third countries through the Birgunj border has been continuously increasing. Notably, there has been a significant rise in exports after demand for Nepali churpi grew as a chew treat for domestic dogs and cats in various countries, especially the United States, Canada, Australia, and several European nations.

According to the Birgunj Customs Office, by the end of Jestha in the current fiscal year, 644,386 kilograms of churpi worth Rs 1.18 billion have been exported. In the same period of the previous fiscal year, 587,000 kilograms of churpi worth Rs 1.04 billion were exported. Based on this, exports have increased by about Rs 140 million in value and by about 57,000 kilograms in quantity this year.

According to Amit Tiwari, an official at the Birgunj Customs Office, churpi exports through this border have been steadily rising for the past two years. He stated that Nepali churpi is exported abroad primarily as pet food for domestic dogs and cats, rather than for human consumption. Consumers in third countries are using Nepali churpi as a natural chew for dogs and cats. Its demand is increasing because it can be used as an alternative to bones, lasts a long time, and is tasty.

According to customs records, churpi is exported under the category of ‘dog or cat food’. No export customs duty is levied on this. Tiwari informed that only a service fee of Rs 113 is charged for each export declaration. Churpi produced in the hilly districts of Nepal such as Ilam, Taplejung, Sankhuwasabha, and Dhankuta is sent to third countries via the Birgunj border. Since churpi processing industries are mainly operated in Ilam, the highest production comes from there.