Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: The government has decided to implement the Mobile Data Management System (MDMS).
The cabinet meeting on Tuesday decided to allow returnee migrant workers to bring one more mobile device without paying any taxes. They are so far allowed to bring one mobile device without paying tax.
The government earlier reneged on its decision to implement the MDMS due to massive backlash by the returnee migrant workers.
The NTA had implemented the system as a trial on September 15 last year. The full-fledged implementation had been scheduled for December-end. However, the implementation was put on hold after Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal instructed Nepal Telecommunications Authority to halt the implementation for the time being.
What is MDMS?
MDMS is a system that keeps track of all mobile devices connected to Nepali cellular networks. NTA decided to implement MDMS to control the smuggling of mobile handsets into the country.
Under the MDMS, users are required to register the IMEI number of their devices with the NTA. Distributors themselves will register the IMEI of mobile devices imported by them. However, users themselves will have to register IMEI numbers of handsets brought by them from foreign countries. Receipt of payment of customs duty is mandatory for the registration of such devices.
The cabinet decision means customs offices will provide such receipts without paying taxes for a maximum of two devices. Overseas returnees will have to pay applicable customs duty if they are bringing more than two devices.
