The Export and Import (EXIM) Code is a mandatory 13-digit identification number issued by the Department of Customs (DoC) under the Government of Nepal.1 This code is essential for any business planning to engage in cross-border trade, whether importing goods into Nepal or exporting Nepali products to international markets.
The application process is primarily managed through the Nepal National Single Window (NNSW) portal, which centralizes the submission and processing of trade-related documents.
1. Preliminary Requirements & Eligibility
Before initiating the online application, the business entity must meet several foundational requirements:4
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Registered Business Entity: The applicant must be a legally registered entity in Nepal (e.g., Sole Proprietorship, Partnership Firm, or Private/Public Limited Company).
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Note: Registration must be current with the relevant department, such as the Office of the Company Registrar (OCR), Department of Cottage and Small Industries, or Department of Commerce/Industry.
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Minimum Capital (For Importers): The business must generally meet the minimum prescribed capital requirement, which is NPR 10,00,000 (Ten Lakhs Nepalese Rupees), as per the relevant government procedures. (This requirement may be exempted for export-only entities).
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PAN/VAT Registration: Must possess a valid Permanent Account Number (PAN) and, if applicable for the nature of trade, a Value Added Tax (VAT) registration certificate.
2. Required Documentation Checklist
Gathering and preparing the necessary documents is the most crucial step. All documents must be current, legible, and notarized where required, ready for online upload and physical submission.
| Document Category | Document Description | Applicability |
| Business Registration | Company/Firm Registration Certificate (with current renewal) | All Entities |
| Memorandum of Association (MoA) & Articles of Association (AoA) | Limited Companies | |
| Certificate of Industry or Commerce Registration (from DoI/DoC) | All Entities | |
| Tax & Finance | Permanent Account Number (PAN) Certificate | All Entities |
| VAT Registration Certificate (if applicable) | Importers | |
| Tax Clearance Certificate (Not required for newly registered firms) | All Entities | |
| Identity | Citizenship Certificate of Proprietor / Partners / Directors | All Entities |
| Passport-sized Photograph of the Authorized Signatory | All Entities | |
| Corporate Action | Board Minute/Decision mentioning the person authorized for EXIM application. | Companies / Partnerships |
3. The Application Process (Online & Physical Submission)
The registration process involves both online submission through the NNSW portal and the physical submission of original documents.
Step 1: Online Application through NNSW
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Access the Portal: Navigate to the official Nepal National Single Window (NNSW) portal and select the option to “Apply for New EXIM.”
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Initial Verification: Enter your Business PAN, Personal PAN of the Authorized Signatory, and Email Address to receive an OTP (One-Time Password) for verification.
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Fill the EXIM Form: Complete the detailed online application form, which requires information on:
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Business Registration details (type, capital, address, etc.)
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Proprietor/Director/Partner details (including up to three generations of names)
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Upload Documents: Upload the scanned copies of all the documents listed in the checklist above.
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Submit and Print: Submit the online application. The system will generate a submission reference number and an application printout.
Step 2: Physical Submission to the Department of Customs
After successfully submitting the application online, you must physically submit the printout and the required original documents to the designated Department of Customs Office (usually the Tripureshwor office in Kathmandu or a relevant regional customs office).
Step 3: Verification and Issuance
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Verification: The Department of Customs verifies the physical documents against the online submission and cross-checks the details with other government departments (like the IRD for tax clearance).
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Query (If any): If there are any discrepancies or missing documents, the DoC will raise a query through the online portal, and you will be notified via email to correct and re-submit the required information.
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Issuance: Upon successful verification, the Department of Customs issues the 13-digit EXIM Code. The process typically takes 1 working days from the date of complete and correct submission.
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Receive Certificate: The EXIM Code Certificate will be issued, often delivered digitally via email, and made available on the NNSW portal.
Important Notes
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Validity: The EXIM Code is valid for one fiscal year and must be renewed annually to maintain its validity and avoid severe penalties.
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Exporters vs. Importers: Always check the latest EXIM Code Procedure guidelines published by the DoC.