HS 0902

Customs Duty on Tea in Nepal (2026): 30%–40% + VAT

Tea under HS heading 0902 carries a flat 40% customs duty into Nepal plus 13% VAT - the same protective wall as coffee, guarding one of the country's signature export crops. Importing tea into Ilam's homeland is close to carrying coals to Newcastle; the trade that exists is niche Japanese and Chinese specialty leaf.

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Live tariff

HS-code duty rates for tea

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
09021000	Green tea	30%	13%
09023000	Black tea	30%	13%
09022000	Tariff line 09022000	40%	0%
09024000	Tariff line 09024000	40%	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 5,000 of tea costs to land in Nepal

Step by step, using the representative rate for this category (40% duty on HS 09022000, 0% VAT). Your exact rate depends on the precise HS code in the table above.

Tea (goods value): NPR 5,000
International freight (illustrative, 10% of goods): NPR 500
Assessable value (CIF = goods + freight): NPR 5,500
Customs duty (40% of CIF, HS 09022000): NPR 2,200
VAT (0% of CIF + duty): NPR 0
Estimated landed cost: NPR 7,700

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 tea

40% flat duty across the heading - agricultural protection, no exceptions for fancy leaf.
Nepal grows world-class orthodox tea; the import case is limited to styles Nepal does not produce (matcha, gyokuro, aged puerh).
Sealed retail packaging clears as ordinary goods; loose bulk leaf invites food-import scrutiny.
Teaware (kyusu, gaiwans) classifies under ceramics at moderate rates - only the leaf pays 40%.

What we ship

Popular tea imports

Japanese matcha and gyokuro

Chinese puerh and oolong

TWG and Fortnum blends

Herbal tisanes

Tea import questions, answered

How much duty does imported tea attract in Nepal?+

A flat 40% on CIF value plus 13% VAT - about 58% combined, matching coffee at the top of the consumer schedule. Nepal is a tea-exporting nation protecting its own gardens; the tariff prices imported leaf accordingly.

What tea is actually worth importing to Nepal?+

Styles Nepal does not produce: ceremonial matcha, Japanese greens, aged puerh, specific Chinese oolongs. For black and orthodox teas, Ilam and Dhankuta gardens produce export-grade leaf sold domestically at a fraction of any import's landed cost.

Do herbal tisanes count as tea for duty?+

Chamomile, rooibos and herbal blends classify under separate plant-product headings, often at different rates than true tea - but they remain food imports with VAT. The 40% wall specifically guards camellia sinensis; check the table line for your product.

Is teaware taxed like tea?+

No - pots, cups and brewing gear are ceramics and housewares at moderate duty. A serious import order of a kyusu plus matcha whisk pays gentle tax on the gear and the full 40% only on the leaf itself.

Related duty guides

Customs duty on dry fruits & nuts

HS 0801, 0802

Customs duty on bicycles

HS 8712

Customs duty on motorcycle parts & gear

HS 8714

All Nepal duty categories Import cost calculator Ship to Nepal with iWishBag

Import tea 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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