KATHMANDU, Aug 9: The Department of Commerce, Supplies, and Consumer Protection, under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies, has announced a call for proposals from firms interested in importing 19,000 tons of sugar from India. This import is intended to meet the increased demand during the upcoming festival season.

According to the department's notice, interested firms have five days to submit their proposals. A minimum quota of 2,600 tons has been established for each company granted an import permit. If more than 19,000 tons of sugar are requested, the quota for each firm will remain at a minimum of 2,600 tons.

The department has also said that if applications exceed the available quota, priority will be given to those submitting the bids first. Companies have until September 30 to import the sugar, as per the quota set by India.

Failure to import the sugar within one month of receiving the permit will result in its revocation. Additionally, companies unable to meet the import requirements must notify the department within 15 days.

To ensure fair pricing, companies with import permits are required to sell the sugar at prices set by the Salt Trading Corporation. They must also provide weekly reports on the quantity, price, quality, and sales of the imported sugar to the department, ensuring compliance with the government's quality standards.