KATHMANDU: Ghatasthapana festivities are being observed on Thursday as part of Dashain celebrations.
Dashain is the biggest festival for Hindus in Nepal and also an opportunity for family reunions. Nepalis working or living abroad have started returning home to celebrate the festival with their family. The Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) is already seeing a significant increase in arrivals.
Naturally, those returning from foreign countries do not come empty-handed. They bring souvenirs for family, relatives and friends. The Ministry of Finance has established regulations regarding personal baggage allowances for these returnees.
Returnees bring goods worth Rs 20 billion annually
Various studies of shown that returning workers bring goods worth over Rs 20 billion annually. These goods typically include at least two smartphones, a TV set, electronic items and clothing. They also carry between Rs 50,000-300,000 in cash, depending on the country of origin.
An estimated 700,000 to 800,000 Nepalis return home during Dashain and Tihar festivals. “Youths returning from foreign employment typically bring with them four-five items as souvenirs,” said Danduraj Ghimire, the spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Employment.
An estimated five million Nepalis are working abroad (excluding India), according to the DoFE.
Duty-Free Items
Returnees can bring certain items duty-free. They include:
1. One unit each: tablet/laptop/computer, watch, camera, video camera and flash drive
2. Two sets of mobile phones in addition to one already being used. However, IMEI registration of the phones is mandatory.
3. Prescribed medicines for patients returning after treatment
4. Assistive devices like wheelchairs or crutches for physically disabled travelers
5. Used clothing, bedding and household items
6. Gold jewelry up to 50 grams, silver jewelry up to 500 grams, and jewel-studded gold or silver ornaments worth up to Rs 100,000 rupees
7. Up to 7 kg of food items
8. One bottle of alcohol (up to 1 liter)
9. Professional equipment (e.g., blood pressure monitor for doctors, sports equipment for athletes, musical instruments for musicians)
10. One each: baby stroller and tricycle
11. TV up to 32 inches (only for those returning after 6+ months on work visa)
Items Subject to Customs Duty
1. Two each of common household appliances like mixer, juicer, sewing machine, gas stove, iron, rice cooker, etc
2. Two each of professional equipment for skilled workers (doctors, engineers, etc.)
3. Up to 10 kg of food items
4. Up to 15 pieces of clothing, shoes, cosmetics, etc.
5. One unit each: TV, music system, refrigerator, washing machine, fan, radio
6. Up to two units of essential household items
Gold and Currency Regulations
1. For raw gold: Rs 5,200 customs duty per 10 grams for up to 50 grams; Rs 6,200 per 10 grams for additional 50 grams
2. Cigarettes (up to 200 sticks) and cigars (up to 50 sticks): 40% customs duty
3. Currency: Nepalis who have stayed in foreign countries for six months to one year can bring along Rs 25,000 each. Those, who have stayed in foreign countries for more than a year, can carry Rs 125,000. They are also allowed to carry up to 2,000 in local currency of the country of departure.
Customs officials may confiscate items exceeding these limits.
