Last Updated on June 4, 2025
Nepali citizens can’t sell mobile phones brought from abroad into Nepal as gifts. The government of Nepal has amended the Jhitigunta rules, which dictate that Nepalese can’t make commercial sales of mobile phones that are brought from abroad. The decision comes as the Department of Customs makes some changes to rules relating to the goods brought into the country by people from foreign countries.
Now only one phone allowed to bring from abroad
The amended rule allows Nepalese who have gone abroad with a labor permit to bring one brand-new mobile phone after working for at least six months. Prior to this, the rule allowed Nepalese to only bring one new phone along with a used phone, that means two phones in total. While bringing such phones, the public doesn’t have to pay any customs charges. The new rule is aimed at making the provisions clearer and more transparent to the public.
However, the rule dictates that goods, including mobile phones, brought without paying their customs fees can’t be used for commercial activities. According to the customs, such phones will be issued a special stamp that indicates that they aren’t allowed for sale or purchase. The government has brought this ruling to curb the misuse of products brought from abroad. It’s said that if any such handset is found for sale or purchase, it can be confiscated by the government.
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Illegal to sell phones in Nepal that are brought from abroad
With the new ruling relating to goods brought from abroad, phones that Nepalese bring from abroad can’t be put up for sale, nor can they be bought. Likewise, there is a new rule set for the valuation of goods to be brought into Nepal. Earlier, it was possible to bring in goods with a customs declaration even without valuation. But now, if someone declares goods worth $500 as $200, the actual value will be derived on the basis of the reference price list or the price at which someone else has brought the same goods.
And if a differing price is declared, the person will be subject to a fine. Previously, there was no provision for a punishment. Additionally, a maximum limit of $500 has been set for goods and gifts sent to relatives from abroad. If the limit is surpassed, a fine will be imposed on the higher value. For example, if goods worth $900 are sent, a fine will be imposed on goods worth $400. These rules also apply to the transactions of mobile phones. It also encourages Nepalese to use phones’ with their official IMEI registration in Nepal.
However, if a Nepalese citizen is returning to Nepal permanently, their goods won’t bear any customs charges. But the individuals must show their labor permit and proof of their permanent return to the country.
Effect of the ruling on the sale and purchase of phones gifted from abroad
The ruling does have effect on the possible business of phones brought into Nepal from abroad as gifts. Previously, the mobile device management system, or MDMS, was also supposed to contain this practice. However, it’s not actively operating. Therefore, this new customs ruling will aim at curbing the commercial ‘misuse’ of handsets that Nepalese bring into Nepal.
For the unaware, there is a trend of selling and buying phones, especially the flagship handsets, in Nepal, which come as gifts to those living in Nepal. This officially evades customs charges and revenues to the government. Business transactions are required to ensure revenue for the government. That is why the new jhitigunta ruling has been introduced. This could help curb the phone purchase and sale of phones that Nepalese send or receive as gifts from abroad in Nepal.
What do you think of this new ruling to bring phones individually from abroad as a gift? Will it be effective on ending the practice of selling and buying phones that enter Nepal as gifts? Do share your opinion.
