Ban on the import of 10 luxury items extended till August end; new measures introduced for phones and bikes

Kathmandu, July 17

The government has extended the ban on the import of 10 specific luxury items imposed in April.

Further, the government has introduced new measures regarding the import of mobile phones and motorbikes making it stricter.

Initially, the government had announced the ban would continue until the end of the fiscal year (mid-July). However, the government was thinking of extending the ban on the import of luxury items as the country’s economic situation is not sufficiently robust yet.

According to the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, the import rules for mobile phones and motorbikes have been changed.

Previously, phones worth USD 600 or more and motorcycles above 250 ccs of capacity were banned for import, but now, the ceilings have come down to USD 300 and 150 cc respectively.

Here is the list of the items whose import is banned:

1. Chips and similar snacks
2. Liquor
3. Cigarettes and tobacco products (except raw)
4. Diamond (except raw)
5. Mobile phones priced above USD 300 (it was USD 600 up to now)
6. Colour TV above 32”
7. SUVs, cars and vans (except ambulances and hearse)
8. Motorcycles above 150 CC (it was 250 up to now)
9. Toys
10. Playing cards