Last Updated: 7 August 2026 (23 Shrawan, 2083) | Checked against official sources on: 7 August 2026
This guide is based on the Department of Customs' official website (customs.gov.np) and the Nepal National Single Window portal (nnsw.gov.np), which the Department of Customs itself links to as the EXIM Code service. Some fee, capital, and bank-guarantee figures could not be independently confirmed from a readable official notice at the time of writing and are clearly flagged below — always cross-check these against the live portal or your nearest Customs office before applying.
If you are trying to import or export goods commercially from Nepal, you will run into one requirement almost immediately: the EXIM Code. It's the number that lets Nepal Customs identify your business on every customs declaration — without it, your shipment simply cannot clear. This guide walks through what the EXIM Code actually is, who needs one, the exact online registration and renewal process on the official portal, the documents you'll be asked for, and how to fix common login and application problems.
Quick Answer: How to Get EXIM Code in Nepal?
An EXIM Code (เคจिเคाเคธी เคตा เคชैเค ाเคฐी เคธเค्เคेเคค เคจเคฎ्เคฌเคฐ) is issued by Nepal's Department of Customs and is applied for online through the Nepal National Single Window (NNSW) portal at nnsw.gov.np — this is the portal the Department of Customs itself directs applicants to. You register with your business PAN, personal PAN and email, verify with an OTP, fill in business, tax, and bank-guarantee details, upload supporting documents, and submit. The application is then reviewed by the concerned Customs office. Exact document requirements, capital thresholds, bank-guarantee amounts, and fees can change, so confirm the current figures on the portal or with your local Customs office before applying.
Key Takeaways
- EXIM Code is a unique government identification number issued by the Department of Customs, Ministry of Finance — it is not your PAN, VAT number, or a business registration certificate.
- It is required for commercial import or export activity, not for ordinary personal-use baggage.
- Registration and renewal are both done online through the official NNSW portal at nnsw.gov.np.
- You need an existing business/industry registration and PAN before you can apply.
- The application asks for Business Information, IRD (tax) Information, Business Registration details, Bank Guarantee details, and document uploads.
- Approved applications are forwarded to your concerned Customs office for final processing.
- EXIM Code renewal, password recovery, and application status are all handled from the same NNSW dashboard.
- Fees, paid-up capital thresholds, and bank-guarantee amounts are subject to periodic Customs notices — verify the current figures before you apply or renew.
Table of Contents
- What Is EXIM Code in Nepal?
- Who Needs an EXIM Code?
- Why Is EXIM Code Required?
- Requirements for EXIM Code
- Documents Required
- Step-by-Step Online Registration Process
- EXIM Code Fees, Capital & Bank Guarantee
- How to Check Application Status
- How to Renew EXIM Code
- EXIM Code / NNSW Login
- Forgot Password / Login Recovery
- Common Problems & Troubleshooting
- Correction, Update & Cancellation
- EXIM Code vs PAN vs VAT
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Safety Tips for Online Registration
- FAQs
- Official Sources
1. What Is EXIM Code in Nepal?
EXIM Code stands for Export–Import Code. In Nepali it is officially referred to as เคจिเคाเคธी เคตा เคชैเค ाเคฐी เคธเค्เคेเคค เคจเคฎ्เคฌเคฐ. It is a unique identification number issued by the Department of Customs, under the Ministry of Finance, Government of Nepal, to businesses that intend to import goods into Nepal or export goods from Nepal on a commercial basis.
Think of it as your business's "customs ID." Every time a shipment is declared at a Nepali customs point — whether at Tribhuvan International Airport, a dry port, or a land border customs office — the EXIM Code is what links that transaction back to your business. The Department of Customs and the Nepal National Single Window (NNSW) system, which now handles EXIM applications online, use it to track import-export activity, apply customs procedures correctly, and prevent unregistered trading.
EXIM Code is not the same as your PAN, your VAT registration, your company registration certificate, an HS Code, or a customs agent/broker license — it is a separate, additional registration layered on top of those. We cover the distinctions in detail further down.
EXIM Code links your registered business to every customs declaration you file for import or export.
2. Who Needs an EXIM Code in Nepal?
An EXIM Code is generally needed by any company, firm, or industry that plans to import goods into Nepal or export goods from Nepal for commercial purposes on an ongoing basis. This includes trading companies, manufacturers importing raw materials, exporters of Nepali goods, and businesses registered with the Department of Industry, the Department of Commerce, or the Department of Cottage and Small Industries.
Commercial import-export activity is different from bringing personal-use goods across the border. Several secondary legal sources report that the EXIM Code Procedure carves out exemptions for passengers' personal-use baggage and for very small-value one-off imports or exports.
If your business only occasionally receives a courier shipment or a single low-value item, check with your Customs office or a customs agent whether that specific transaction needs an EXIM Code before you assume you must register.
3. Why Is EXIM Code Required?
The EXIM Code exists mainly to support:
- Customs declarations — every commercial import/export declaration filed through the customs system references the trader's EXIM Code.
- Trade identification and tracking — it gives the Department of Customs a reliable way to identify who is trading what, and to compile foreign trade statistics.
- Compliance — it ties import-export activity to a business's tax records (PAN/VAT) and registration status, supporting customs and revenue compliance.
- Banking transactions — banks handling international remittances tied to trade transactions may also reference the EXIM Code.
4. EXIM Code Requirements in Nepal
Based on the official NNSW application process and information published by Nepal-based legal and tax advisory sources, applicants are generally expected to have:
- A valid business/industry/company registration (from the Department of Industry, Department of Commerce, or Department of Cottage and Small Industries, as applicable to your business type).
- A registered PAN (both business PAN and the applicant/authorized person's personal PAN are asked for during online application).
- VAT registration, where the business's import/export activity is subject to VAT.
- A tax clearance position with the Inland Revenue Department (no outstanding tax arrears).
- A bank guarantee, arranged through a licensed bank, for import-related EXIM Codes — several sources indicate export-only registrations may be treated differently.
5. Documents Required for EXIM Code Registration
| Document | Who Needs It | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Business/company/industry registration certificate | All applicants | Mandatory — must be current |
| Business PAN certificate | All applicants | Entered directly in the NNSW application form |
| Applicant's personal PAN | Authorized person applying | Requested alongside business PAN at the start of the online application |
| VAT registration certificate | Businesses registered/liable for VAT | Conditional — depends on your business's VAT status |
| Tax clearance certificate (Inland Revenue Department) | All applicants | Confirms no outstanding tax arrears |
| Bank guarantee documentation | Import-related applicants (commonly not required for export-only) | [VERIFY CURRENT OFFICIAL REQUIREMENT] for exact amount/format |
| Details of partners/owners/authorized representative | All applicants | Entered in the "Business Information" section of the form |
The current NNSW online application is organized into five tabs after OTP verification: Business Information, IRD Information, Business Registration, Bank Guarantee, and Upload Attachments — so it's worth having all of the above ready as scanned files before you start.
6. How to Get EXIM Code in Nepal Online — Step by Step
Step 1 — Prepare Your Documents
Gather your business registration certificate, business and personal PAN, VAT certificate (if applicable), tax clearance certificate, and bank guarantee documents (if applicable) as clear scanned copies.
Step 2 — Open the Official NNSW Portal
Go to the official Nepal National Single Window portal: https://nnsw.gov.np. This is the portal the Department of Customs' own website links to for the "EXIM Code" service — do not use unofficial third-party registration sites.
Step 3 — Start a New EXIM Application
On the portal, choose EXIM Code Registration Application (direct link: nnsw.gov.np/exim/registration), or from the trade portal menu select Apply for NEW EXIM.
Step 4 — Enter PAN Details and Verify by OTP
Enter your Business PAN, your Personal PAN, and your email address, then click Proceed. You'll be taken to an OTP verification page — enter the code sent to your registered email and click Next.
Step 5 — Fill In the EXIM Application Form
Complete each tab of the form: Business Information, IRD Information (tax details), Business Registration, and Bank Guarantee (where applicable).
Step 6 — Upload Required Documents
Use the Upload Attachments tab to attach your scanned documents.
Step 7 — Submit
Click Finish to submit. Your application is then forwarded electronically to your concerned Customs office for review.
Step 8 — Verification by Customs
The relevant Customs office reviews the submitted information and documents. Some sources indicate applicants may also need to submit physical/hard copies of documents to the Customs office — confirm this with your specific office, as practices can vary.
Step 9 — Approval and Issuance
Once approved, your EXIM Code is issued and linked to your NNSW trader account, where it will appear alongside your certificate/details.
Step 10 — Save Your Records
Keep a copy of your submitted application, your EXIM Code, and any confirmation correspondence in a safe place — you'll need these for renewal and for future customs declarations.
EXIM Code registration flow on the NNSW portal. Illustration only — actual portal screens may differ; always follow the live on-screen instructions.
7. EXIM Code Fees, Capital & Bank Guarantee
Nepal Customs periodically revises EXIM Code-related fees, paid-up capital expectations, and bank-guarantee requirements through notices, so treat any number below as a starting point for verification rather than a final figure.
8. How to Check EXIM Code Application Status
Once you submit a new EXIM application or a renewal through nnsw.gov.np, log in to your NNSW trader account to track its progress — approved, pending with Customs office review, or requiring corrections. If you cannot see a status update after a reasonable period, contact the NNSW help desk or your concerned Customs office directly rather than relying on unofficial trackers, since no separate public "EXIM status checker" outside the NNSW login is confirmed to exist.
9. How to Renew EXIM Code in Nepal
EXIM Code renewal is filed through the same NNSW portal, using the dedicated renewal application: nnsw.gov.np/exim/renew.
- Log in to your NNSW trader account.
- Open the EXIM Code Renewal Application.
- Confirm or update your business, tax, and bank-guarantee information.
- Upload any updated documents (such as a fresh tax clearance certificate).
- Pay the applicable renewal fee through the method indicated on the portal.
- Submit — your renewal is forwarded to the concerned Customs office for verification and confirmation.
10. How to Log In to the EXIM / NNSW Portal
Login is done at nnsw.gov.np/trade/home/auth, using the credentials created when you first registered your trader account on NNSW (via nnsw.gov.np/wu/registration/index).
Never share your NNSW password with anyone, including anyone claiming to be a customs agent, bank official, or "helper" service.
11. Forgot Your EXIM/NNSW Password? Here's What to Do
The official password reset page is: sso.nnsw.gov.np/auth/realms/nnsw/account/password. Follow the on-screen steps, which will typically involve verifying your identity through your registered email.
If you're still locked out, contact the official NNSW Help Desk:
- Phone: 01-5917010
- Toll-free: 16600160016
- WhatsApp: +977 9861224637
- Email: nnsw@webbfontaine.com
Never share the one-time password (OTP) sent to your email or phone with anyone — official help desk staff will never ask you to read out your OTP or password to them.
12. Common EXIM Problems & Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Reason | What to Try |
|---|---|---|
| Login fails | Wrong username format, expired session, or browser cache issue | Confirm the correct username format on the portal's login guide; clear cache or try another browser; use the password reset link if unsure |
| Forgot password | Password not recently used / not saved | Use the official reset link at sso.nnsw.gov.np; contact the NNSW help desk if the reset email doesn't arrive |
| OTP not received | Email delivery delay, spam filtering, or wrong email entered | Check spam/junk folder; confirm the email address entered matches your registered email; contact the help desk |
| Application pending for long | Awaiting Customs office review, or missing physical document submission | Check status in your NNSW dashboard; confirm with the concerned Customs office whether physical copies are still required |
| Document rejected | Unclear scan, expired certificate, or mismatched details | Re-scan clearly; ensure tax clearance and registration certificates are current; ensure names/PAN match across all documents |
| Payment issue | Bank/gateway error or incorrect fee entered | Retry through the portal's indicated payment channel; contact your bank or the NNSW help desk with the transaction reference |
| Portal unavailable | Scheduled maintenance or high traffic | Try again after some time; check the Department of Customs website for any posted notice about downtime |
13. Correction, Update & Cancellation
Updating Registered Information
Changes to details such as address, contact number, email, or authorized representative are updated through your NNSW account or by written request. For an email address change specifically, the official FAQ instructs applicants to submit a signed and sealed application on company letterhead to the NNSW help desk email (nnsw@webbfontaine.com). Updating information is different from being issued a new EXIM Code — the code number itself is not something you can change at will.
EXIM Code Cancellation or Suspension
14. EXIM Code vs PAN vs VAT Registration
| Feature | EXIM Code | PAN | VAT Registration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Authorizes and identifies commercial import/export activity | General tax identification for individuals and businesses | Registers a business to charge/claim VAT |
| Issuing authority | Department of Customs | Inland Revenue Department | Inland Revenue Department |
| Used for | Customs declarations for import/export | All tax-related transactions | VAT-liable sales and purchases |
| Import/export relevance | Mandatory for commercial import/export | Prerequisite document for EXIM Code application | May be a prerequisite depending on the goods/business |
| Who may need it | Importers and exporters | Virtually all businesses and many individuals | Businesses above the VAT threshold or dealing in VAT-liable goods |
15. Common EXIM Code Registration Mistakes
- Using an unofficial third-party website instead of the official NNSW portal.
- Submitting an expired tax clearance certificate.
- Business PAN and personal PAN details that don't match across documents.
- Unclear or partially cropped document scans.
- Entering an email address you don't regularly check (you'll miss the OTP and status updates).
- Forgetting to renew before the code lapses, then scrambling at the last minute.
- Relying on outdated blog posts or forum threads for fee and capital figures instead of the current portal/notice.
16. EXIM Code Online Registration — Safety Tips
- Only use the official Department of Customs (customs.gov.np) and NNSW (nnsw.gov.np) domains.
- Double-check the URL in your browser before entering any PAN, password, or payment details.
- Be cautious with agents or "consultants" who ask you to hand over your login credentials rather than assisting you alongside your own account access.
- Never share your password or OTP with anyone by phone, email, or messaging app.
- Keep your official payment receipts and application confirmation emails.
- Avoid downloading unofficial "EXIM helper" apps not distributed by the Department of Customs or NNSW.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is EXIM Code in Nepal?
It is a unique identification number issued by the Department of Customs to businesses that import or export goods commercially.
What does EXIM stand for?
Export–Import.
Who needs an EXIM Code in Nepal?
Companies, firms, and industries engaged in commercial import or export activity generally need one; ordinary personal-use baggage is treated differently.
Where is the official EXIM Code portal?
The Nepal National Single Window portal at nnsw.gov.np, which the Department of Customs website itself links to for EXIM Code services.
How can I apply for a new EXIM Code online?
Through nnsw.gov.np/exim/registration — enter your business and personal PAN and email, verify by OTP, then complete the Business Information, IRD Information, Business Registration, Bank Guarantee, and Upload Attachments sections.
Is PAN required for EXIM Code?
Yes — both your business PAN and your personal PAN as the applicant are required at the start of the application.
Is VAT registration required?
It's conditional on whether your business and its import/export activity fall under VAT registration requirements — confirm with the Inland Revenue Department if unsure.
Is tax clearance required?
Yes, applicants are generally expected to have no outstanding tax arrears with the Inland Revenue Department.
Is business registration required before applying for EXIM Code?
Yes — a current business/company/industry registration certificate is a prerequisite.
Is there a minimum paid-up capital requirement?
Some legal sources cite capital thresholds for import-linked codes, but this guide could not confirm exact current figures — verify with Customs before budgeting.
How much does EXIM Code registration cost?
Registration and bank-guarantee figures reported by different sources conflict; confirm the current fee directly on the NNSW portal or with the Department of Customs.
How long does EXIM Code approval take?
Processing time depends on the concerned Customs office's review after your online submission; check your application status in your NNSW dashboard for the most accurate estimate.
How can I check my EXIM application status?
Log in to your NNSW trader account and check the status of your submitted application there.
How do I renew my EXIM Code?
Through nnsw.gov.np/exim/renew, logged in to your NNSW account, following the renewal application steps.
What is the EXIM Code renewal fee?
Figures reported by third-party sources vary; confirm the current renewal fee on the NNSW portal before paying.
What happens if I don't renew my EXIM Code?
Some sources indicate an EXIM Code can be auto-cancelled after a period of non-renewal, but exact rules should be confirmed with Customs directly.
How do I log in to the EXIM/NNSW portal?
At nnsw.gov.np/trade/home/auth, using the credentials from your NNSW trader account registration.
What if I forget my EXIM/NNSW password?
Use the official reset page at sso.nnsw.gov.np/auth/realms/nnsw/account/password, or contact the NNSW help desk.
What if my EXIM Code login or portal isn't working?
See the troubleshooting table above; if the issue persists, contact the NNSW help desk at 01-5917010 or nnsw@webbfontaine.com.
Can EXIM Code information be corrected?
Yes, through your NNSW account, or for an email address change, via a signed letterhead request to the NNSW help desk.
Can an EXIM Code be cancelled?
This guide could not confirm the exact current cancellation/suspension provisions — verify directly with the Department of Customs.
Is a bank guarantee required for EXIM Code?
Generally required for import-related EXIM Codes according to several sources, and is a dedicated tab on the online application; export-only registration may be treated differently. Confirm exact amounts with Customs.
Do exporters need an EXIM Code?
Generally yes, for commercial export activity, though requirements may differ slightly from those for importers (for example, around bank guarantees).
Do importers need an EXIM Code?
Yes, commercial importers generally need an EXIM Code.
Is EXIM Code the same as PAN?
No. PAN is a general tax ID from the Inland Revenue Department; EXIM Code is a separate customs registration issued by the Department of Customs, though your PAN is required to apply for it.
Is EXIM Code the same as VAT registration?
No, these are separate registrations, though VAT status may be relevant depending on your business.
Is EXIM Code the same as HS Code?
No. HS Code classifies the type of goods being traded; EXIM Code identifies the trading business itself.
Can an individual get an EXIM Code, or only a registered business?
The application process is built around a registered business/industry entity with PAN; individuals without a registered business should confirm eligibility with Customs.
Official EXIM Code Resources
| Resource | What It's For |
|---|---|
| customs.gov.np | Official Department of Customs website — notices, forms, citizen charter |
| nnsw.gov.np | Official EXIM Code registration, renewal, and login portal (Nepal National Single Window) |
| nnsw.gov.np/exim/registration | New EXIM Code registration application |
| nnsw.gov.np/exim/renew | EXIM Code renewal application |
| Password Reset | Official NNSW password recovery |
| NNSW Help Desk | 01-5917010 / Toll-free 16600160016 / WhatsApp +977 9861224637 / nnsw@webbfontaine.com |
Disclaimer: This guide is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal, tax, customs, or professional advice. EXIM Code requirements, fees, documents, procedures, and government systems may change. Verify the latest requirements through the official Department of Customs and NNSW portal before applying or conducting import/export transactions.
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