First time importing from Nepal? The paperwork here works a bit differently than other sourcing destinations. Miss one form and your shipment could sit at customs for weeks, or worse, get hit with penalties. This checklist covers everything you will need, and it pairs with our step-by-step import guide.

Commercial invoice and packing list are fairly standard, but Nepal Customs wants the invoice signed and stamped by the exporter. Make sure it includes exporter and buyer details, product description, quantity, unit price, total value, country of origin, and incoterms.

The Certificate of Origin (CO) is the most important Nepal-specific document. It certifies that your goods were wholly produced or manufactured in Nepal. The CO is issued by the Nepal Chamber of Commerce or FNCCI and is required by most destination countries to determine applicable duties and tariff preferences. For exports to the EU under the Everything But Arms (EBA) initiative, the CO proves Nepal origin for duty-free entry.

The bill of lading or air waybill is the shipping document issued by the carrier, a bill of lading for sea freight and an air waybill for air freight. Ensure the consignee details match your import licence and that the cargo description aligns with your commercial invoice.

A phytosanitary certificate is required for plant-based products including hemp fibre, jute, wool, and certain natural dyes. It is issued by Nepal's Plant Quarantine Office after inspection of the goods, and confirms the products are free from pests and diseases.

If your goods are shipped on wooden pallets or in wooden crates, Nepal Customs requires a packing declaration that the wood has been heat-treated or fumigated per ISPM 15 standards. Non-compliance can result in fumigation at destination at your cost.

An insurance certificate is not mandatory for all shipments, but we recommend marine cargo insurance. Nepal Trade Solutions can coordinate with local insurers to provide coverage from factory to destination port.

We also help with certificate of origin applications, connect you with experienced customs agents in Nepal, review your documentation for completeness before shipment, and coordinate with freight forwarders for smooth logistics. Our trade advisory service is designed specifically for first-time Nepal importers.