Finance Minister Ram Sharan Mahat took the decision to this effect on Thursday to make sure that roofing sheets are not in short supply, according to finance ministry officials.
Navaraj Bhandari, secretary at the Ministry of Finance (MoF), said the decision is expected to stabilize price of roofing sheets and ensure its smooth supply.
The decision means importers will now have to pay only 15 percent customs duty on corrugated roofing sheets. Prior to this, they were required to pay 30 percent customs duty.Meanwhile, the cabinet meeting held on Friday asked the Minister for Finance, Minister for Commerce and Supplies and Ministry of Industry to bring a plan for purchasing corrugated roofing sheets needed for public buildings to be rebuilt in quake-hit districts.
Minister for Information and Communications Minendra Rijal said the government plans to purchase corrugated roofing sheets through state-owned entities -- Salt Trading Corporation and National Trading Limited. "The sheets would be used to rebuild schools, health posts and other public offices and buildings in quake-hit districts," added Rijal.
There are four companies producing corrugated roofing sheets in Nepal.
The government has also revised the list of relief items enjoying tax waiver facility. The cabinet meeting held on Friday revised the Guidelines on Customs Duty Waiver on Relief Materials. According to officials, only organizations working in distribution of humanitarian aid will be allowed to handle relief material.
The details of the revised guidelines, however, have not been made public.
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