Bringing Project Equipment Or Donated Items Through Customs In Nepal

Nepalese customs regulations are complex and cumbersome. Customs authorities ensure that the appropriate customs revenues are raised by enforcing strict import and export regulations.  Photography and scientific equipment is rigorously scrutinized under suspicion that the items are for sale or donation and, therefore, subject to duties. In many instances, importation of items purported for donation to schools, hospitals, and other social organizations have been confiscated, or were cleared by Customs only after payment of a hefty fine for failure to obtain prior approval from the Government of Nepal Ministry of Finance.      

Those wishing to donate items to charity or any organization in Nepal must obtain prior approval for waiver of the custom fees from the Ministry of Finance by sending a formal request letter (not via email) to the following address:

Revenue Secretary   
Ministry of Finance   
Singha Durbar   
Kathmandu, Nepal   
Tel:  977-1-4211400
Fax: 977-1-4211605  

Those bringing in scientific, project, or expensive photographic equipment should also send a request to the Ministry of Finance.

The request to the Ministry of Finance to bring in donated or other items should include detailed information about the items to be imported, as well as the organizations to which the items are being donated, or in which the equipment will be used. The Revenue Secretary will review the request and refer it to the Minister for final decision and approval. Note that all requests are processed on a case-by-case basis. It is highly recommended that intended recipient(s) coordinate with the Ministry to get requests processed well in advance of arriving. For more information, please see our Customs Information.