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HS 8525

Customs Duty on Cameras & Lenses in Nepal (2026): 5% + VAT

Digital cameras and camcorders under HS heading 8525 attract a single-digit-to-moderate customs duty into Nepal, plus 13% VAT on the duty-inclusive value. For mirrorless bodies and lenses - where Kathmandu retail is limited to a couple of brands at steep prices - direct import is often the only way to get the exact configuration working photographers want.

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Live tariff

HS-code duty rates for cameras & lenses

The duty column is the customs rate charged on the assessable (CIF) value; 13% VAT is then applied on the duty-inclusive amount for VAT-liable lines.

HS codeDescriptionCustoms dutyVAT
85255000Google Chromecast, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku5%13%
85258000Television cameras, digital cameras and video camera recorders5%13%

Rates are the tariff we apply when quoting real shipments to Nepal; excise duty, where levied for a specific product class, is charged in addition.

Worked example

What NPR 2,50,000 of cameras & lenses costs to land in Nepal

Step by step, using the representative rate for this category (5% duty on HS 85255000, 13% VAT). Your exact rate depends on the precise HS code in the table above.

Cameras & Lenses (goods value)
NPR 2,50,000
International freight (illustrative, 10% of goods)
NPR 25,000
Assessable value (CIF = goods + freight)
NPR 2,75,000
Customs duty (5% of CIF, HS 85255000)
NPR 13,750
VAT (13% of CIF + duty)
NPR 37,538
Estimated landed cost
NPR 3,26,288

Nepal assesses every courier import - there is no de-minimis exemption, so even small parcels are taxed at these rates. Freight is illustrative - use the calculator for a quote with real shipping on your actual item.

Before you order

What to know about importing cameras & lenses

  • One camera with accessories in personal baggage is a recognised personal effect for travellers.

  • Lenses, tripods and accessories classify under different HS lines than bodies; a kit shipped together is assessed line by line.

  • Professional video equipment in commercial quantity needs a formal import declaration - a one-body-two-lens kit stays comfortably personal.

  • Insure high-value glass in transit; claims on courier loss are far easier when the declared value is honest.

What we ship

Popular cameras & lenses imports

Sony A7 IV

Canon EOS R6

Nikon Z6 III

Fujifilm X-T5

DJI Osmo Pocket

GoPro Hero 13

Sigma and Tamron lenses

Cameras & Lenses import questions, answered

How much duty do cameras attract when imported to Nepal?+
Camera bodies under HS 8525 carry a single-digit-to-moderate duty on CIF value depending on the exact line, plus 13% VAT on the duty-inclusive amount - the live table above shows current rates. On a NPR 250,000 mirrorless body the total tax commonly adds roughly a fifth to the cost.
Are camera lenses taxed the same as camera bodies in Nepal?+
Lenses classify under optics headings rather than 8525, so their duty line differs from the body. In practice both land in a similar moderate band, and 13% VAT applies to each. Shipping body and lenses in one consolidated parcel saves freight, not duty.
Can a returning traveller bring a camera without duty?+
Yes - one camera you travel with and use is a personal effect under the baggage rules. A second sealed body, or obviously commercial quantities of lenses, becomes assessable and should be declared at the red channel.
Is it worth importing a camera instead of buying in Kathmandu?+
For anything beyond entry-level Canon and Sony kits, usually yes. Nepali camera retail carries limited stock and 25-40% premiums over US pricing, while direct import pays the actual duty plus VAT. On professional bodies and fast glass the savings routinely cover the freight several times over.

Related duty guides

Customs duty on televisions

HS 85287

Customs duty on gaming consoles

HS 9504

Customs duty on computer parts & accessories

HS 8473

All Nepal duty categoriesImport cost calculatorShip to Nepal with iWishBag

Import cameras & lenses without customs surprises

Send us the product link. We quote goods, freight, the exact per-HSN duty and VAT as one all-in landed price - then buy, ship and clear it for you.

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