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Nepal's growing international trade requires businesses to obtain proper licensing before engaging in import or export activities. The EXIM Code (Export Import Code) is a 13-digit government identification number issued by the Department of Customs that serves as the official import export license in Nepal. Understanding the EXIM Code registration procedure in Nepal is essential for any company, firm, or industry planning to engage in international trade. This guide covers the legal framework, registration process, required documents, capital requirements, fees, validity, renewal procedures, and special provisions for import export licensing in Nepal.
What is EXIM Code
EXIM Code stands for Export and Import Code, which is issued by the Department of Customs under the Ministry of Finance. It is a 13-digit government identification number that makes the export and import process efficient and legally valid. This code is mandatory at the time of exporting and importing goods and products from and to foreign countries.
Purpose of EXIM Code
- Regulate international trade activities
- Collect trade-related data for government records
- Ensure customs compliance and legal oversight
- Enable customs clearance of goods at borders
- Facilitate bank transactions related to imports and exports
- Monitor foreign trade and analyze trends
Decoding the 13-Digit EXIM Code
- First 9 digits: Registered PAN number
- Next 2 digits: 01 (single ownership) or 02 (partnership/company)
- Next 2 digits: Software-generated unique numbers
- Last 2 letters: NP (represents Nepal)
Legal Framework
| Legislation | Year | Key Provisions |
|---|---|---|
| Customs Act | 2064 (2007) | Primary law governing customs and trade |
| Customs Rules | 2065 (2008) | Procedural guidelines for customs matters |
| Procedure for Providing EXIM Code | 2079 (2023) | Specific rules for EXIM Code registration, renewal, suspension |
| Industrial Enterprise Act | 2076 (2019) | Industry registration requirements |
Governing Authorities
| Authority | Role |
|---|---|
| Department of Customs | Issues EXIM Code under Ministry of Finance |
| Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection | Registers companies/firms for import/export trade |
| Department of Industry | Registers industries under Industrial Enterprise Act |
| Office of Company Registrar (OCR) | Company registration |
| Inland Revenue Department | PAN/VAT registration and tax clearance |
Who Needs EXIM Code
Any company, firm, or industry intending to import goods from foreign countries to Nepal or export goods from Nepal to foreign countries must obtain the EXIM Code. This includes:
- Businesses involved in exporting Nepalese goods to foreign countries
- Companies importing foreign products into Nepal
- Traders dealing with both import and export activities
- Manufacturers who directly import raw materials or export finished goods
- Agents or intermediaries facilitating international trade transactions
Exceptions (No EXIM Code Required)
Section 6 of the EXIM Code Procedure provides the following exceptions:
- Import or export of goods for personal use as per passenger goods notice
- One-time import of goods equivalent to NPR 10,000 or less
- Export of goods equivalent to NPR 10,00,000 (Ten Lakhs) or less
Qualification Requirements
The company/firm/industry must fulfill the following requirements to obtain EXIM Code:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Registration | Registered with Department of Commerce OR Department of Industry OR obtained direct sale license |
| Minimum Paid-up Capital (Import) | NPR 10,00,000 (Ten Lakhs); NPR 60,00,000 for wholesale import/export |
| Minimum Paid-up Capital (Export Only) | No minimum capital requirement |
| PAN Certificate | Mandatory for all applicants |
| VAT Registration | Required for import of VAT-applicable goods |
| Tax Status | No arrears of tax payable to Government of Nepal |
| Bank Guarantee (Import) | NPR 3,00,000 from A-Grade Commercial Bank (minimum 1 year validity) |
| Bank Guarantee (Export Only) | Not required |
Complete Registration Process
The complete import export company and EXIM Code registration involves the following steps:
Step 1: Company Registration at OCR
Register your company with the Office of Company Registrar (OCR) through camis.ocr.gov.np. This is a prerequisite for all business licenses in Nepal.
Step 2: Tax Registration (PAN/VAT)
Obtain PAN certificate and VAT registration from the Inland Revenue Department. VAT registration is mandatory for import companies.
Step 3: Business Registration at Ward Office
Register your business at the concerned local government (Ward Office).
Step 4: Open Bank Account and Inject Capital
Open a company bank account with an A-Grade Commercial Bank and deposit the minimum paid-up capital (NPR 10 Lakhs for import, NPR 60 Lakhs for wholesale).
Step 5: Obtain Share Registry from OCR
Receive the shareholder registry certificate (Share Lagat) from the Office of Company Registrar.
Step 6: Obtain Bank Guarantee
Obtain bank guarantee of NPR 3,00,000 from A-Grade Commercial Bank with minimum one-year validity (not required for export only).
Step 7: Register at Department of Commerce
Register your company with the Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection for import/export activities.
Step 8: Obtain Tax Clearance Certificate
Obtain tax clearance certificate from the Inland Revenue Office showing no tax arrears.
Step 9: Apply for EXIM Code
Submit online application at www.customs.gov.np with required documents. After verification, the Department of Customs issues the EXIM Code within 7 days.
EXIM Code Application Process
- Online Application: Submit application with required documents through the official website of Department of Customs
- Document Verification: Department verifies all submitted documents
- Issuance: EXIM Code issued within 7 days from application date
- Certificate Collection: Receive EXIM Code Certificate from Department of Customs
Required Documents
For Company Registered at OCR
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Registration Certificate | From Department of Commerce/Department of Industry with renewal |
| Paid-up Capital Certificate | Share Lagat of NPR 10 Lakhs minimum (NPR 25 Lakhs for companies) |
| PAN Certificate | Copy of Permanent Account Number certificate |
| VAT Registration Certificate | Required for import of VAT-applicable goods |
| Tax Clearance Certificate | Issued by Inland Revenue Department (not required for newly registered) |
| Bank Guarantee | Original NPR 3,00,000 from A-Grade Commercial Bank |
| Bank Recommendation Letter | In Schedule 2 format with photo attached |
| Company Documents | MOA, AOA, Share Register from OCR |
| Board Meeting Minute | Mentioning whose photo and signature will be used |
| Citizenship Certificate | Of all directors/shareholders |
| Passport-size Photo | Of authorized person |
| Location Map | Clearly identifying place of business/operation |
| Application Letter | Signed application |
For Proprietorship Firm
- Citizenship of Proprietor
- Registration Certificate from Gharelu tatha Sana Udhyog (minimum capital NPR 10 Lakhs)
- PAN/VAT Registration Certificate
- Tax Clearance Certificate
- Bank Guarantee NPR 3,00,000
- Bank Account Certificate (Annexure 2 format)
- Application Letter
Additional Documents
- Excise license if importing/exporting excisable products (alcohol, tobacco)
- Power of Attorney if authorized person is visiting customs office
- Department of Industry recommendation if registered with Provincial Government
Export-Only Exemptions: For export-oriented businesses, minimum share capital of NPR 10 Lakhs and bank guarantee of NPR 3 Lakhs are not required.
Special EXIM Code
Section 7 of the EXIM Code Procedure provides for temporary EXIM Code under specific conditions:
- Import/export by government authority, public corporation, diplomatic agencies for non-commercial purposes
- Import of raw materials, tools, equipment by micro, cottage, and small industries for production
- One-time importation of equipment/tools for establishment of industry
- Regular exports/imports for donation, gift, or relief purposes
- Other purposes as specified by Department of Customs
Government Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| EXIM Code Registration | No government fee |
| EXIM Code Renewal | NPR 1,000 per fiscal year |
| Bank Guarantee | NPR 3,00,000 (refundable) |
| Company Registration (OCR) | Based on authorized capital |
| Department of Commerce Registration | Based on company capital |
| Ward Office Registration | NPR 10,000-20,000 (varies by local level) |
| Late Renewal Fine | Additional fine applies |
Validity and Renewal
Validity Period
EXIM Code is valid for one fiscal year. If registered mid-year, it remains valid until the end of the current fiscal year (31st Ashad).
Renewal Process
Section 8 of the EXIM Code Procedure requires annual electronic renewal. Companies may renew for up to 5 fiscal years upon payment of lump sum fee.
| Aspect | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Renewal Frequency | Every fiscal year (or up to 5 years with lump sum) |
| Renewal Due Date | Before start of new fiscal year (end of Ashad) |
| Grace Period | 35 days after expiration without penalty |
| Late Renewal | Possible within 6 months with additional fine |
| Renewal Fee | NPR 1,000 per year |
Documents Required for Renewal
- Tax Clearance Certificate of last fiscal year
- Bank Guarantee of NPR 3,00,000 for renewal period
- Renewed registration certificate (if applicable)
- Deposit receipt of renewal fee
Suspension and Revocation
Conditions for Suspension
If the EXIM Code holder does not pay revenue or any amount due to Government of Nepal, the Department may suspend the EXIM Code for up to 6 months.
Release of Suspension
Submit application within 6 months of suspension with proof that outstanding amounts have been paid.
Conditions for Revocation
- Suspension not released within 6 months
- Submitting forged, fake, or false documents to Customs Office
- Export/import smuggling or using unauthorized routes
- Misdeclaration of goods (name, nature, characteristic, measurement, size, quality, quantity)
- Repeated wrong declaration of goods
De-Registration/Cancellation
Business entities with no current plan to import/export can apply for de-registration:
- Submit online application via EXIM portal
- Provide Tax Clearance Certificate
- Submit copy of Bank Guarantee and EXIM Code
- Clear all renewal fees to date
- Submit Board Meeting Minute (not required for proprietorship)
- Submit cancellation application
Upon verification of no outstanding customs duty or payables, Department cancels EXIM Code and releases Bank Guarantee.
Timeline Summary
| Process | Duration |
|---|---|
| Company Registration (OCR) | 7-10 days |
| PAN/VAT Registration | 3-5 days |
| Department of Commerce Registration | 7-14 days |
| EXIM Code Issuance | 7 days from application |
| Complete Registration Process | 30-45 days total |
Foreign Investment Restriction
Important: Foreign investors are prohibited from engaging in trading businesses in Nepal under the Negative List of the Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act 2019. However, foreign investors may sell their products in Nepal by appointing a local distributor or agent through a valid distributorship or agency agreement.
Need Legal Assistance?
Our legal team provides comprehensive import export licensing services including company registration, EXIM Code application, documentation, renewal, and compliance throughout Nepal. Contact us for professional consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
EXIM Code (Export Import Code) is a 13-digit government identification number issued by the Department of Customs under the Ministry of Finance. It is required for importing or exporting goods to and from foreign countries. The code makes international trade efficient and legally valid, enabling customs clearance, bank transactions, and trade monitoring.
| Law | Key Provisions |
|---|---|
| Customs Act 2064 (2007) | Primary law governing customs and trade |
| Customs Rules 2065 (2008) | Procedural guidelines |
| Procedure for Providing EXIM Code 2079 (2023) | Registration, renewal, suspension rules |
| Industrial Enterprise Act 2076 (2019) | Industry registration requirements |
EXIM Code is required for:
- Companies importing foreign products into Nepal
- Businesses exporting Nepalese goods abroad
- Traders dealing with both import and export
- Manufacturers importing raw materials or exporting finished goods
Exceptions: Personal use goods, one-time imports up to NPR 10,000, exports up to NPR 10 Lakhs.
| Activity | Minimum Paid-up Capital |
|---|---|
| Import | NPR 10,00,000 (Ten Lakhs) |
| Wholesale Import/Export | NPR 60,00,000 (Sixty Lakhs) |
| Export Only | No minimum requirement |
Required documents:
- Registration certificate (Department of Commerce/Industry)
- Paid-up capital certificate (Share Lagat)
- PAN Certificate
- VAT Registration Certificate
- Tax Clearance Certificate
- Bank Guarantee NPR 3,00,000 (original)
- Bank Recommendation Letter (Schedule 2 format)
- Board Meeting Minute
- Citizenship of directors/shareholders
- Passport-size photo
- Location map
- Application letter
Registration steps:
- Register company at OCR (camis.ocr.gov.np)
- Obtain PAN/VAT from Inland Revenue
- Register at Ward Office
- Open bank account and inject capital
- Obtain Share Registry from OCR
- Obtain Bank Guarantee NPR 3 Lakhs
- Register at Department of Commerce
- Obtain Tax Clearance Certificate
- Apply for EXIM Code at www.customs.gov.np
Total timeline: 30-45 days
The Department of Customs issues the EXIM Code within 7 days from the date of application, provided all requirements are fulfilled and documents verified. The entire company registration and EXIM Code process takes approximately 30-45 days.
| Aspect | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Validity | One fiscal year |
| Renewal | Annual (or up to 5 years with lump sum) |
| Grace Period | 35 days without penalty |
| Late Renewal | Possible within 6 months with fine |
| Renewal Fee | NPR 1,000 per year |
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| EXIM Code Registration | No government fee |
| EXIM Code Renewal | NPR 1,000/year |
| Bank Guarantee | NPR 3,00,000 (refundable) |
| Late Renewal | Additional fine applies |
Additional costs: Company registration, Department of Commerce registration, Ward Office registration.
Special EXIM Code is a temporary code issued under Section 7 for:
- Government/diplomatic agencies for non-commercial purposes
- Micro, cottage, small industries importing raw materials
- One-time equipment importation for industry establishment
- Regular donations, gifts, or relief exports/imports
Suspension (up to 6 months):
- Non-payment of revenue or amounts due to government
Revocation conditions:
- Suspension not released within 6 months
- Submitting forged/false documents
- Smuggling or using unauthorized routes
- Misdeclaration of goods
- Repeated wrong declarations
Renewal documents:
- Tax Clearance Certificate of last fiscal year
- Bank Guarantee NPR 3,00,000 for renewal period
- Renewed registration certificate (if applicable)
- Deposit receipt of renewal fee NPR 1,000
- Application through EXIM portal (www.customs.gov.np)
No. Foreign investors are prohibited from engaging in trading businesses in Nepal under the Negative List of the Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act 2019. However, foreign investors can sell products in Nepal by appointing a local distributor or agent through valid distributorship agreements.
Export-oriented businesses enjoy these exemptions:
- No minimum paid-up capital requirement
- No bank guarantee of NPR 3,00,000 required
- No Share Lagat requirement
- Simplified documentation process
De-registration process:
- Submit online application via EXIM portal
- Provide Tax Clearance Certificate
- Submit Bank Guarantee and EXIM Code copies
- Clear all outstanding renewal fees
- Submit Board Meeting Minute (except proprietorship)
- Submit cancellation application
Upon verification of no outstanding duties, Department cancels EXIM Code and releases Bank Guarantee.
