Kathmandu, April 27
In its effort to avoid the imminent economic crisis, the government of Nepal has suspended the import of various luxury items. According to a notice issued in the Nepal Gazette by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, the following 10 items cannot be imported through this fiscal year that ends in mid-July.
Here is the list:
- Chips and similar snacks
- Liquor
- Cigarettes and tobacco products (except raw)
- Diamond (except raw)
- Mobile phones priced above USD 600
- Colour TV above 32”
- SUVs, cars and vans (except ambulances and hearse)
- Motorcycles above 250 CC
- Toys
- Playing cards
Since the first week of April, in view of the imminent economic crisis, the central bank has barred commercial banks from issuing loans for the import of such luxury items. The government’s recent notice aims at further tightening the provision among reports that some importers are importing such goods thanks to their connections with powerful officials.
