Government Eases Customs Exemption for Land Border Travelers

Kathmandu. The government has adopted some flexibility in customs exemption for travelers crossing the border by land route. Publishing a new arrangement in the gazette, the government has increased the customs exemption for travelers coming through land routes from one hundred to five hundred rupees. 'Goods worth up to five hundred rupees brought or taken will be released by the customs chief without collecting revenue after assessing the justification. However, for goods exceeding that value or for commercial purposes, customs duty will have to be paid according to the law,' the gazette states. After the government led by Balen came into power, strictness had been increasing at the land customs, due to which residents of the border areas who shop from Indian markets had been protesting. What can be brought by travelers coming from abroad without customs duty? The government has a provision for those returning from foreign employment by air to get full exemption on two mobile phones and televisions up to 32 inches. However, such facilities are not available for those coming through land routes from India or other countries. Amidst the strictness on land routes, some concessions have been given to Nepali students studying in India. They will not have to pay customs duty on one tablet, laptop, or computer they carry with them. Those returning by air will receive full exemption on one laptop, one watch, camera, and personal clothing. There will be no customs duty on jewelry up to 50 grams of gold and up to 500 grams of silver. Only one bottle of liquor up to one liter can be brought. Medicines brought by patients and assistive devices used by physically challenged individuals (wheelchairs, etc.) are fully exempted. According to the Ministry of Finance, this arrangement has been in effect since Jestha 15, 2083. See what arrangements are there?