Nepal’s phone import saw another low, this time around Dashain due to the ban on phones imposed by the federal government.
As per the customs depart’s latest figure, 2 lakhs, 62 thousand, 7 hundred, and 36 units of mobile phones entered Nepal worth Rs 3.6 billion.
At the same time, the government was able to collect 67 crores, 31 lakh in revenues from phone imports. In comparison to Bhadra, 2078, phone imports endured a massive fall.
In Bhadra last year, 8 lakh, 39 thousand, 2 hundred, and 47 units of phones were imported worth Rs 5.53 billion. As a result, the government generated Rs 87 crore, 51 lakhs in revenue. This time around, the figure oversaw a downsize due to the infamous phone ban.
Likewise, in Shrawan, Nepal imported a total of 86 thousand, 4 hundred, and 87 units of phones.
| Phone import | Cost | Units |
| Bhadra, 2079 | Rs 3.6 billion | 2.62 lakhs |
| Bhadra, 2078 | Rs 5.53 billion | 8.39 lakhs |
Also read: Nepal Imposes Ban on Import of Expensive Phones
Phone import around Dashain is debatable!
The government has banned phone imports worth $300 and above to ease off dwindling foreign cash reserves. The decision has been hotly contested by mobile phone traders. They have called the ban unfair and argue it is affecting both the government and mobile traders.
Don’t miss: MDMS Goes Live in Nepal, NTA to Block Grey Phones
The phone ban will stay till Ashoj 28. As per the government, phones worth $300 and above are barred from importing and trading in Nepal.
Nepal is marking the festive season and phone demands overwhelmingly soar these times. But due to the ban, traders have struggled to keep up with the market demands. Nepali consumers mostly buy midrange phones that offer large screen sizes, rich features, and value for money.
Check out: Best Phones Under Rs 30000 in Nepal
Beware of unverified phones
Again, you can notice expensive phones in the market and you can argue they might have come via illegitimate means. This also questions the effectiveness of the government’s capacity to efficiently implement the ban. We urge you to take extra caution before you decide to buy your next phone. Buying a grey phone could land you in trouble as MDMS blacklists and strips off telecom services.
As it stands, phoned need to be registered at NTA before they can be traded in the market.
Nepal imports most of the phones from China, India, the US, Vietnam, etc.
Are you planning on buying a phone this festive season? Have you found the phone you want in the market yet? Do share in the comments below.
