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