An important aspect of international shipments are the customs regulations, stipulations and peculiarities of the particular countries involved. Nepalese customs regulations are complex and cumbersome. Customs authorities ensure that the appropriate customs revenues are raised by enforcing strict import and export regulations. Here’s a general guideline for importing/exporting of household goods and personal effects through Nepalese customs:
All shipments are subject to inspection. The customer must be present during the Customs clearance process. Used household goods and personal effects, which are for daily use such as clothes, books, kitchenware, glassware/china and some furniture are allowed duty free for non-diplomats if they have an Import Permit. All items deemed duty free must enter Nepal within six months ofthe customer’s arrival into Nepal.
Required Documents:
Passport including photo page
Customs Transit Declaration (CTD)– required for shipments cleared at Indian ports of entry
Bill of Lading/Air Waybill
Comprehensive valued inventory – in English, “Misc.”, “PBO” are not acceptable
Letter of Authorization – allowing Destination Agent to clear shipment
Insurance Certificate – must be original
Import Permit – obtained from the Department of Commerce, can take up to 2 weeks to process
Residence Visa
Work Visa
Customers contact phone number and address in Nepal
Foreign Nationals & Returning Nepalese must also provide the following:
Passports of every family member
Certificate from Employer stating income source
Import License – issued by the Department of Commerce
Diplomat Status:
Foreign diplomats, members of government or international organizations are granted tax and duty free entry of their used personal effects and household items with approved Diplomat Status. As a courtesy, diplomatic shipments will not be inspected. CIF Value must be stated on the Exemption Certificate.
Privileged Status:
Applies to members of government, international organizations or embassy workers with non-diplomatic status. They are granted duty free entry of their personal effects and used household items. These shipments are subject to inspection. CIF Value must be stated on the Exemption Certificate.
Required Documents:
Diplomatic Exemption Certificate – issued by Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Diplomat status)
Duty-Free Exemption Certificate – issued by Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Privileged status)
Passport copy
Comprehensive inventory list in English
RESTRICTED/DUTIABLE ITEMS
Electronics and electrical items mustlist make, model and serial numbers
Firearms require an original invoice & registration at origin.
New items require original receipts & Certificate of origin
Medications - require original containers, a copy of the prescription & listof generic names
Plants & plant products including seeds and fruits require an Import Permit obtained through the Plant Quarantine Department, & a Phytosanitary certificate issued from the place of origin
Antiques, pure silver & gold must be declaredupon arrival & must be re-exported upon departure
Alcohol – not to exceed 1.15 litres or 12 cans of beer
Tobacco – not to exceed 250 grams or 250 cigarettes
PROHIBITED ITEMS
Narcotics/illegal drugs of any kind
Pornography in any format and subversive material
Explosives, ammunitions and weapons
Beef and any products containing beef
IMPORTATION OF VEHICLES
Only those with privileged status are allowed to import a vehicle duty-free. Two-stroke motorcycles and three wheel vehicles are prohibited. Vehicles over 5 years of age are not permitted entry.
Required Documents:
Certificate of Title and Registration - must be original
Commercial/Purchase Invoice – must be original, state make, model, year ofmanufacture, engine and chassis numbers