Kathmandu— In a landmark move to support Nepali citizens returning from foreign employment and streamline the customs process, the Government of Nepal has unveiled a new set of customs duty exemptions. The revised policy, published in the Nepal Gazette and now enforced under the Customs Act 2081 (2024 AD), took effect from Jestha 15, 2082 (May 28, 2025). This new regulation replaces the earlier notice of Shrawan 29, 2081, and is designed to make the customs declaration and clearance process more practical, transparent, and supportive of Nepali migrant workers and travelers.

Major Highlights: What’s New in Nepal’s Customs Duty Exemptions?

The updated customs policy delivers significant relief for Nepali migrant workers, travelers, and even foreign tourists. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the key changes and what they mean for those entering Nepal:

Customs Duty Exemptions for Nepali Migrant Workers

1. Mobile Phones:

• Nepali citizens returning after at least six continuous months of foreign employment can now bring:

  • One used mobile phone (for personal use)

  • One brand-new mobile phone

• Both devices are fully exempt from customs duties. These phones must be declared at the customs office upon arrival, and the necessary procedures completed12.

2. Television Sets:

• Returnees who have worked abroad for at least 12 months and are registered under the Social Security Fund (SSF) can import one TV set of any size or type with full customs exemption.

• For those not registered under the SSF but who can verify one year of continuous employment abroad, the exemption applies to TVs up to 32 inches.

• Note: This TV exemption is a one-time lifetime benefit per individual and will be officially recorded.

3. Gold Jewelry:

• Women can bring up to 50 grams of gold jewelry duty-free; men can bring up to 25 grams.

• Up to 200 grams of gold jewelry can be brought in by paying the appropriate customs duty.

Duty-Free Allowances for All Nepali Citizens Returning from Abroad

Regardless of travel duration or employment type, all Nepali citizens are allowed to bring the following items for personal use without paying customs duty:

• One unit each:

  • Laptop or tablet

  • Wristwatch

  • Camera

  • Video camera

  • One used mobile phone

• Personal effects:

  • Used clothing

  • Bedding and bed sheets

  • Basic household goods

• Miscellaneous:

  • Medicines for personal health

  • Assistive devices for the physically disabled

  • Up to 7 kg of food items

  • Up to 1 liter of alcoholic beverages

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Additional Items Allowed with Customs Duty (Payable at Airport)

If you wish to bring more than the duty-free allowance, you can import the following by paying applicable customs duties:

• Household Appliances (One unit each):

  • Television

  • Music system

  • Refrigerator

  • Washing machine

  • Electric fan

• Small Home Gadgets (Two units each):

  • Mixer

  • Juicer

  • Sewing machine

  • Electric iron

  • Rice cooker

• Fashion & Personal Care:

  • Up to 5 pieces of clothing

  • Up to 5 pairs of shoes

  • Cosmetic products (for personal use)

• Food Items:

  • Up to 10 kilograms in total

Additional Allowances Based on Duration Abroad:

• More than 6 months: Duty-free import of goods worth up to NPR 15,000.

• More than 1 year: Duty-free import of goods worth up to NPR 25,000.

Special Provisions for Foreign Tourists

The government has also clearly outlined duty-free allowances for international travelers, including tourists:

• One unit each:

  • Binoculars

  • Tablet or laptop

  • Camera

  • Mobile phone

  • Wristwatch

  • Portable music system

  • Bicycle

• Alcohol:

  • 1 liter of liquor, or

  • 12 cans of beer

• Tobacco:

  • 200 cigarettes, or

  • 50 cigars, or

  • 250 grams of tobacco

• Medicines: Up to NPR 10,000 in value

• Food items: Up to NPR 5,000 in value

• Fresh fruits: Up to NPR 2,000 in value

Mandatory Currency Declaration

All travelers—Nepali and foreign nationals—must declare at customs if carrying foreign currency, traveler’s cheques, or other monetary instruments valued above USD 5,000. Failure to declare may result in seizure of undeclared items and legal action in accordance with Nepali customs and financial regulations.

Practical Impact: Supporting Nepali Workers and Ensuring Transparency

The Ministry of Finance has stated that these changes aim to:

• Simplify the customs process for returning Nepali migrant workers and travelers.

• Reduce the financial burden on those bringing home essential electronics and household items.

• Encourage transparency and legal compliance at customs checkpoints.

• Promote responsible importation and efficient customs inspections.

Important Reminders for Travelers

• Declare all items as required by law to avoid penalties or confiscation.

• Understand the one-time nature of certain exemptions (e.g., TV sets for migrant workers).

• Consult the customs office or official government sources for clarifications before travel.

• Be aware of the limits on gold, currency, and other restricted items.

A Step Forward for Nepali Migrant Workers and Travelers

Nepal’s updated customs duty exemptions represent a significant step toward supporting its citizens abroad and making the return journey more welcoming and practical. By easing the process and offering substantial relief on everyday electronics and household goods, the government recognizes the contributions of its migrant workforce and the importance of transparent, traveler-friendly policies.

For the latest updates and official guidelines, always refer to the Department of Customs or the Ministry of Finance before planning your return to Nepal.

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