Nepalis receive customs duty exemptions for import of TV sets

Published On: September 26, 2023 09:00 PM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

KATHMANDU, Sept 26: In a recent update, the Tribhuvan Airport Customs Office in Kathmandu has made significant changes to its customs regulations regarding the import of television sets and gold jewelry by Nepali workers returning home from abroad.

Nepali travelers who are registered with the Social Security Fund and have worked abroad with a valid work permit continuously for 12 months will be exempted from paying customs duty on the import of television sets of any size or type with immediate effect. This means that eligible travelers can bring televisions of their choice without incurring any customs charges.

However, for Nepali travelers who have worked abroad for 12 consecutive months with a work permit but are not registered with the Social Security Fund, there are some restrictions. They can import televisions of up to 32 inches in size without having to pay any customs duty.

For other Nepali citizens who do not meet the above criteria, customs fees will be applicable as per the standard rules and regulations.

Additionally, the Customs Office has introduced new provisions regarding the import of gold jewelry. Women can now bring gold jewelry weighing up to 50 grams without being subject to customs duty, while men can import gold jewelry up to 25 grams without customs charges. Beyond these limits, individuals can bring up to 200 grams of gold jewelry, but customs duty will be applicable.

It's important to note that the definition of gold jewelry in this context excludes items that are not purely jewelry in terms of craftsmanship.

Furthermore, Nepali travelers returning home from abroad are no longer required to pay customs duty for their mobile phones. Additionally, those who have worked abroad for more than six consecutive months with a valid work permit can bring an extra mobile phone without customs duty, provided that they inform the customs office and complete the necessary customs procedures for the additional device.

These changes in customs regulations aim to provide certain exemptions and allowances for Nepali travelers based on their work history abroad, while still adhering to customs guidelines for other items and circumstances.