Kathmandu: The Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA) has announced the implementation of the Mobile Device Management System (MDMS) starting from May 15, 2023. This move aims to effectively manage and regulate the use of mobile phones in Nepal, ensuring better control over unauthorized mobile phone entry into the country.
According to a notice published by the Nepal Government Ministry of Finance – Custom Department on May 13, the MDMS system will be mandatory for all mobile sets used in Nepal. Commencing from Monday, May 15, 2023, passengers traveling to Nepal from abroad will be allowed to bring up to two mobile handsets.
The MDMS system, a high-tech solution, has been introduced to combat unauthorized mobile sales and distribution while also bringing them under the revenue range. With the implementation of the MDMS, the government aims to address concerns related to foreign exchange reserves and the decline in revenue caused by illegal channels of mobile phone import.
Under the “Private Use Goods Order 2077” by the Nepal Government, individuals can register mobile sets brought for commercial purposes in the MDMS themselves.
Additionally, mobile sets brought from abroad for commercial use with customs clearance will be promptly registered in the MDMS system. To check whether the newly-purchased mobile phone is registered in the system, individuals may visit mdms.nta.gov.np.
For personal use mobile phones, registration in the MDMS system will be conducted by entering the passport or citizenship details along with the passport page or boarding pass papers indicating the arrival/departure stamp. The implementation of MDMS not only aims to prevent consumers from falling victim to fraudulent practices but also to protect revenue and support legitimate businesses within the mobile retail sector.
In the meantime, Nepali migrants who have spent at least six months at a foreign job are allowed to bring in two mobile phones with them to Nepal.
Only those who have gone for a foreign job after taking labour permits and have completed six months on the job can carry home two mobiles (a used one and another a brand new or both used ones) with them, according to a notice issued today by the Department of Customs.
However, those Nepalis who have gone to foreign countries to pursue education or for other purposes can bring in only one phone, said the Department director Punya Bikram Khadka. “Those who have brought home two phones should go through the customs process,” he said.
The Cabinet meeting on May 9 took a decision to this effect.
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