The Nepal government is bringing new policies every year for mobile phones, and it’s becoming more concerning with a new one. As per the latest updated policy, Nepalis returning from abroad are permitted to bring only one new mobile phone for personal use without incurring customs duties. Let’s get more into the Nepal government’s new rule on phones brought from abroad.
Nepal Government’s New Rules on Phones Brought from Abroad Overview:
Individuals can now only bring one phone from abroad
Under the previously updated rule, the government now allows Nepali citizens who have worked abroad with a labor permit for at least six months to bring one brand-new mobile phone back home without paying customs duties. Previously, the authorities permitted them to bring both a new and a used phone—essentially two phones in total. Now the government has introduced this change to simplify the rules and make them more transparent for everyone. The rule clearly states that travelers can bring only one mobile phone.
However, there’s a catch: any mobile phone or item brought in without paying customs fees is strictly for personal use. It cannot be sold or used for business purposes. To enforce this, customs officials will stamp such phones to show they’re not for resale. If a phone marked this way is found being sold or bought, the government has the right to seize it. This measure is part of a broader effort to stop the misuse of goods brought from abroad.
Restrictions on Selling Imported Phones
With this new rule, the government has explicitly prohibited the commercial sale of mobile phones brought from abroad, even if they are gifts. Such stamped devices are intended solely for personal use. Violating this rule can lead to the confiscation of the device and potential penalties.
Customs Valuation and Penalties
To stop people from undervaluing the items they bring into Nepal, customs officers will now compare the declared value of imported goods with a standard price list. For example, if someone claims that a $500 phone is only worth $200, the authorities will fine them based on the difference. They have also set a $500 limit on the value of gifts or goods sent to family members from abroad—if the value exceeds that amount, they will impose taxes accordingly.
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Nepal Government’s New Rules on Phones Brought from Abroad: Conclusion
The Nepal Government has introduced new rules on phones brought from abroad to tackle the unauthorized sale of high-end smartphones in the country. This notorious practice has previously allowed people to evade significant taxes. So, the new rules aim to ensure that everyone properly registers their mobile phones and pays the correct taxes.
With MDMS nearly biting the dust, the Nepal Government continues to search for effective ways to curb tax evasion during mobile phone sales.
