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MoreThis guide compiles Nepal customs regulations for importing and exporting household goods and personal effects. It applies to shipments by sea or air, and is compiled from the latest FIDI and IAM guides. For reference only - please confirm details with your Seapoe consultant before shipping.
Nepal Moving Guide: Documents, Duties & Shipping Notes
Documents
For All ImportersFor Foreign Nationals and Returning NepaleseAll documents above plus:
For DiplomatsFor Privileged Status (UN staff, NGO workers, embassy staff without full diplomatic status, government project workers)Specific Information
Foreign nationals working for registered foreign companies or aid organizations may import used household goods and personal effects duty-free if they meet the employment and permit criteria. The employer must provide the agent with an official letter verifying employment and authorising the agent to handle the shipment.
Returning Nepalese citizens are subject to duty and tax on used household goods. They must submit proof of work overseas, including a mention of annual salary, to initiate the import permit process.
Diplomatic shipments are granted tax and duty-free entry without inspection, provided Diplomat Status has been formally approved. The CIF value must be stated on the Exemption Certificate.
Privileged status shipments are granted duty-free entry but are subject to inspection. The CIF value must be stated on the Exemption Certificate.
All shipments are subject to customs inspection. The owner does not need to be present during clearance, but must have arrived in Nepal and be registered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before duty-free import documents can be processed.
Used household goods and personal effects for daily use -- clothes, books, kitchenware, glassware, china, and some furniture -- are allowed duty-free for non-diplomatic importers who hold a valid Import Permit. All duty-free items must enter Nepal within 6 months of the owner's arrival.
Only one sea shipment and one air shipment are permitted duty-free per owner of the goods. Any additional shipments are subject to duty and taxes.
All new items require original receipts and a Certificate of Origin. Electronics and electrical items must list make, model, and serial numbers on the inventory. Medications require original containers, a copy of the prescription, and a list of generic names.
Antiques, pure silver, and gold must be declared upon arrival and must be re-exported upon departure. They cannot be sold or transferred within Nepal.
India transit: Nepal is landlocked and most sea freight enters through Kolkata (India) and transits overland via the India-Nepal border. A Customs Transit Declaration (CTD) is required for this routing. Confirm current transit procedures and documentation requirements with the destination agent, as Indian customs procedures affect the overall timeline.
ISPM 15: All wooden packing materials must comply with ISPM 15 phytosanitary standards. Confirm with the destination agent before packing.
Prohibited & Restricted Items
Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea / road shipments.
India transit routing: Most sea shipments for Nepal transit through Kolkata, India. This adds complexity, including Indian customs formalities, overland transport, and Nepalese border clearance. A Customs Transit Declaration (CTD) is required. The destination agent must coordinate both sides of the transit. Allow additional time and budget for this routing.
Import permit lead time: The Import Permit from the Department of Commerce takes approximately 2 weeks to process. Apply immediately once the decision to ship is confirmed; the permit must be in hand before the shipment arrives.
Owner registration: The owner must have arrived in Nepal and be registered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before duty-free clearance documents can be processed. Plan the owner's travel accordingly.
Inventory standards: All inventories must be in English with individual item descriptions and used-goods values. Shorthand such as "Misc." or "PBO" will cause delays. Electronics must list make, model, and serial numbers.
Customs clearance process: All shipments are subject to inspection. The customer must have documents available and be reachable during the clearance process. The agent clears on the owner's behalf with a signed Letter of Authorization.
Shipment limits: Only one duty-free sea shipment and one duty-free air shipment are permitted per owner per relocation. Additional shipments are dutiable.
Principal port of entry: Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu (air). For sea freight, goods are routed through Kolkata, India to Nepal via road or rail.