Imported liquor ban on Nepal to be lifted

The cabinet of Nepal has decided to do away with an eight-month-long ban on the import of liquor products, some vehicles and expensive mobile sets from 16th December. The ban was first imposed in April of this year, amidst depleting foreign exchange reserves over increasing imports. The import ban was targeted on luxuries, which included tobacco, diamonds as well as some vehicles, liquor products and expensive smart phones.

In August the Nepal’s government relaxed the import ban, including its purview to only liquor products, targeted vehicles and expensive mobile sets. The relaxed import ban was supposed to continue till 13th October, but was extended till mid-December.

The pressure of the business community of Nepal to lift this import ban and also the pressure on the Nepal’s government to increase revenue probably induced the decision to lift this ban.

The move can give consumers in Nepal access to imported liquor products again, very soon.