Navigating Nepal Customs: A Guide for Household Goods Import

Created Date : 2025-04-22


Navigating Nepal Customs: A Guide for Household Goods Import

Moving household goods to or from Nepal involves understanding Nepal customs regulations for personal effects, which differ markedly for private individuals, diplomats, and NGO staff versus commercial importers. Diplomats and accredited NGO personnel can often obtain duty‑free import of used personal effects with the right exemption certificates. Non‑diplomatic expats need an import permit and pay duties based on Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) value. NGOs involved in humanitarian operations may qualify for temporary waivers, subject to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs endorsement. Exports follow similar documentation rules—Export Health Certificates and, for U.S. shipments, USDA‑VEHCS submission. For a concise list of prohibited items and more, see Orient’s Prohibited Items List.

The customs clearance process at Kathmandu airport requires submission of passports, detailed inventories, and health or educational letters, where applicable. A Nepal customs duty calculator can estimate VAT (13 %) and import duties on household items. 

 

 

Who Is This Guide For

  • Private Individuals & Expatriates importing or exporting their household goods.
     

  • Diplomats and their dependents bringing in duty‑free personal effects under diplomatic exemption.
     

  • NGO Staff and accredited international organization members relocating personal effects for non‑commercial purposes.
     

Not intended for businesses or commercial import/export operations.

 

 

Overview of Nepal Customs Regulations for Household Goods

Legal Framework

Nepal’s customs procedures are governed by the Customs Act, 2064 (2007) and accompanying Customs Rules, 2065. The Department of Customs enforces these regulations at all entry and exit points, including Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.

Personal Effects vs. Commercial Cargo

Depending on the goods or shipment, they are categorized either as personal effects or commercial cargo. 

  • Personal Effects: Used household goods, clothing, books, and furniture intended for personal use.
     

  • Commercial Cargo: New or resale items; outside the scope of this guide.
     

 

 

Importing Household Goods into Nepal

Eligibility & Exemptions

  • Diplomatic Exemption: Diplomats can be exempted with a Diplomatic Exemption Certificate (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and pay no duty or inspection.
     

  • Privileged Exemption: Accredited NGO staff and government‑project workers receive Duty‑Free Exemption Certificates but may be subject to inspection.
     

  • General Expatriates: Must obtain an Import Permit from the Department of Commerce (which takes about 2 weeks to process) and pay duties on CIF value.
     

Documents Needed for Customs Nepal

  1. Passport copy (bio page)
     

  2. Import Permit (for non‑diplomatic shipments)
     

  3. Diplomatic/Privilege Exemption Certificate (if applicable)
     

  4. Comprehensive Inventory List (English) with values
     

  5. Original Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
     

  6. Packing List
     

  7. Letter of Employment or NGO appointment letter for staff shipments
     

Customs Clearance Process at Kathmandu Airport

  1. Advance Notification: Email the Customs Office, Tribhuvan Airport 24 hours before arrival with flight and pet/passenger details.
     

  2. Document Submission: Present all documents at the Customs Counter upon arrival.
     

  3. Duty Assessment: Customs calculates VAT (13 %) and duty based on CIF (Cost, insurance, and freight) values—use a Nepal customs duty calculator to estimate charges.
     

  4. Inspection & Release: Privileged shipments may be inspected; diplomats’ shipments bypass inspection. Once fees are paid, goods are released.
     

Calculating Duties & Taxes

  • Value Added Tax (VAT): 13 % on CIF (Cost, insurance, and freight) value
     

  • Import Duty: Ranges by item category; consult the Customs Tariff Schedule on customs.gov.np.
     

  • Service Charges: Minimal handling fees may apply.
     

Restricted & Prohibited Items Nepal Customs

  • Prohibited: Narcotics; weapons & ammunition; pornography; meat products (beef, pork).
     

  • Restricted: Precious stones, wildlife products, and agricultural items (seeds) require special permits.
     

For full details, see Orient’s Prohibited Items List.

 

 

Exporting Household Goods from Nepal

Who Qualifies

  • Individuals relocating abroad.
     

  • Diplomatic missions ending tenure.
     

  • NGO workers returning home.
     

Export Documentation

  1. Passport copy
     

  2. Customs Declaration Form (CDF)
     

  3. Commercial Invoice (if applicable)
     

  4. Packing List
     

  5. Certificate of Origin
     

  6. Export License for restricted items
     

  7. Foreign Exchange Declaration (for currency over limits)
     

3 Export Process & Fees

  • Pre‑Clearance: Some countries (e.g. the U.S.) require USDA‑endorsed Export Health Certificates via the VEHCS Foreign Affairs Manual.
     

  • Inspection: Customs may inspect to verify the inventory.
     

  • No Export Duty: Personal household goods are generally exempt from export duty under Nepal customs regulations FAOLEX.
     

 

 

Special Considerations for NGOs & Humanitarian Shipments

Under the OCHA Model Agreement, UN agencies and registered NGOs can import priority relief items duty‑free during national emergencies, pending the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' recommendation. Personal effects for NGO staff follow the same privileged process as diplomats, with proper Duty‑Free Exemption Certificates.

 

 

Tips for a Smooth Customs Experience

  • Start Early: Allow 4–6 weeks for permit processing and documentation.
     

  • Use Professional Help: Engage Orient’s International Moving Services for end‑to‑end support.
     

  • Organize Documents: Keep originals and digital backups.
     

  • Label Everything: Detailed labeling speeds up inspection.
     

  • Confirm Fees: Use official calculators and get quotes in advance.
     

  • Stay Informed: Check the Department of Customs website for updates.
     

 

 

Internal Resources & Next Steps



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