Country Guide: Nepal

Due to the current coronavirus/COVID-19 situation and restrictions in various countries, the below information may not be accurate. This pandemic is a fluid situation. Check with authorities for local laws and restrictions concerning movements.

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Updated: November 18, 2016

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Used Household Goods and Personal Effects

Documents Required

  • Passport
  • Original bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
  • Packing list
  • Investment license
  • Business license
  • Letter of employment (foreign diplomat, workers for registered aid organizations)

 

Specific Information

  • A copy of the owner of the goods’ passport and required documents must be forwarded to the agent prior to shipment arrival.
  • The owner of the goods’ presence is not required for Customs clearance, but the owner of the goods must have arrived in Nepal and be registered with Ministry of Foreign Affairs before the import duty free documents can be processed
  • A non - citizen may import used household goods and personal effects into Nepal duty free if they have diplomatic status or are working for a registered aid organization.
  • The owner of the goods’ employer must provide the agent with an official letter verifying employment and authorizing the agent to handle the shipment on their behalf (foreign diplomats, workers for registered aid organizations).
  • If the required criteria are met, only one sea and one air shipment are permitted duty free.
  • Returning citizens must submit proof of work overseas with a mention of annual salary in order to initiate the import permit process.
  • Returning citizens can import used household goods subject to duty and tax.
  • The owner of the goods may bring more than one household effects and one unaccompanied baggage into Nepal within 6 months of their arrival after obtaining permission from Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Motor Vehicles

Documents Required

  • Passport
  • Original bill of lading / air waybill
  • Packing list

 

Specific Information

  • Used vehicle import is not advised / encouraged
  • Diplomats can import used vehicles on the following conditions:
    • The vehicle is at least Euro III Emission standards compliant
    • It will be taken out of Nepal after completion of diplomat's tenure in Nepal
    • If the origin country has an emission standard other than Euro III, then a certificate from a reliable body such as the manufacturer, dealer, or a government body will have to certify that the vehicle's emission standard is equivalent of Euro III
  • Non - diplomats and returning nationals cannot import a pre - owned or used vehicle 
  • Duties may be assessed and are based on the type, age, and engine size of the vehicle (non-diplomats, returning citizens).

Pets

Documents Required

  • Vaccination record
  • Veterinary health certificate (not more than 7 days old)

 

Specific Information

  • Most pets can be brought into Nepal with no quarantine period. 
  • Documents must be available at the time of import.

Restricted/Dutiable Items

  • The following items may qualify for duty-free import within the limits indicated:
    • Tobacco                                   250 g (approximately 250 cigarettes)
    • Whiskey and wine / beer           1.15 liters / 12 can

Prohibited Items

  • Firearms and ammunition
  • Pornographic materials

Consignment Instructions

Recommended:  Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.

 

 


Cultural and Other Information

CIA World Factbook

Wikipedia Entry for Nepal





IAM Note: Customs regulations can change at any time with or without notice. This document is provided as a guide and for information only. While IAM has exercised reasonable care in publishing this document, IAM makes no representation, either expressed or implied, as to its accuracy or applicability.