HS 2106

Customs Duty on Protein & Supplements in Nepal (2026): 10%–40% + 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

Showing 12 representative tariff lines of the 16 that match this category. 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
21061000Supplement Powders15%13%
21069000Herbal Tea15%13%
21069020Food Preparations, N.E.S. : Pan Masala40%13%
21069030Food Preparations, N.E.S. : Betel Nut Product Known As “Supari”10%13%
21069040Food Preparations, N.E.S. : Sugar-Syrups Containing Added Flavouring Or Colouring Matter, Not Elsewh30%13%
21069050Food Preparations, N.E.S. : Compound Preparations For Making Non-Alcoholic Beverages20%13%
21069060Food Preparations, N.E.S. : Food Flavouring Material40%0%
21069070Dietary Supplements, Vitamins20%13%
21069090Food Items20%13%
21069091Food Preparations, N.E.S. : Other : Diabetic Foods30%13%
21069092Food Preparations, N.E.S. : Other : Sterilized Or Pasteurized Millstone40%13%
21069099Food Preparations, N.E.S. : Other : Other30%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 (40% duty on HS 21069020, 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 (40% of CIF, HS 21069020)
NPR 5,280
VAT (13% of CIF + duty)
NPR 2,402
Estimated landed cost
NPR 20,882

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?+
Supplement preparations under HS 2106 carry between 10% and 40% duty by line (see the table), plus 13% VAT on the duty-inclusive value. A NPR 12,000 two-tub order typically lands with a quarter to a half added in tax - still competitive against authentic local retail, where it exists.
How much protein powder can I import for personal use?+
A few tubs reads as personal consumption and clears as ordinary goods. Case quantities look like stock for a supplement shop, which formally involves food-import registration and labelling compliance. Order a personal cycle's worth at a time.
Is imported whey actually better than what Kathmandu shops sell?+
The issue is counterfeits: fake tubs of popular brands circulate widely in South Asia, and Nepal's gym-shop channel is not immune. Importing from iHerb, Amazon or the brand store costs similar money after tax and guarantees the seal, batch and dates.
Are vitamins and melatonin treated the same as protein?+
Ordinary multivitamins clear as supplements under the food headings. Melatonin at pharmacy doses, prescription compounds and anything hormonal crosses into medicine territory where the Department of Drug Administration rules apply - those need proper authorisation, not a courier parcel.

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.