Customs Duty on Protein & Supplements in Nepal (2026): 15%–20% + VAT
Food preparations under HS heading 2106 - where whey protein, creatine and most supplements classify - carry 10-40% duty into Nepal depending on the line, plus 13% VAT. The gym-supplement market runs almost entirely on imports, and authenticity is the buyer's main worry: fake whey is a genuine local problem that direct import solves.
Live tariff
HS-code duty rates for protein & supplements
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 code | Description | Customs duty | VAT |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21061000 | Supplement Powders | 15% | 13% |
| 21069000 | Herbal Tea | 15% | 13% |
| 21069070 | Dietary Supplements, Vitamins | 20% | 13% |
| 21069090 | Food Items | 20% | 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 12,000 of protein & supplements costs to land in Nepal
Step by step, using the representative rate for this category (20% duty on HS 21069070, 13% VAT). Your exact rate depends on the precise HS code in the table above.
- Protein & Supplements (goods value)
- NPR 12,000
- International freight (illustrative, 10% of goods)
- NPR 1,200
- Assessable value (CIF = goods + freight)
- NPR 13,200
- Customs duty (20% of CIF, HS 21069070)
- NPR 2,640
- VAT (13% of CIF + duty)
- NPR 2,059
- Estimated landed cost
- NPR 17,899
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 protein & supplements
Duty varies meaningfully across the heading - check the table rather than assuming one rate.
Personal-use quantities (a tub or three) clear routinely; case quantities of foodstuffs invite food-import formalities.
Check expiry dates and heat exposure - protein survives transit fine, some vitamins are heat-sensitive.
Products with pharmaceutical actives (high-dose melatonin, SARMs and the like) are medicines, not supplements, at the border.
What we ship
Popular protein & supplements imports
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard whey
Creatine monohydrate
MyProtein
Dymatize ISO100
Multivitamins
Pre-workout
Protein & Supplements import questions, answered
What duty applies to whey protein imported to Nepal?+
How much protein powder can I import for personal use?+
Is imported whey actually better than what Kathmandu shops sell?+
Are vitamins and melatonin treated the same as protein?+
Import protein & supplements 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.