Nepal's Auto Import Duty Cut Sparks Sales Surge Ahead of Dashain 2026

A revised import duty structure has triggered a wave of pre-Dashain vehicle bookings across Nepal's major dealerships, with industry voices calling it a much-needed boost after a sluggish sales year.

Nepal's automotive dealers are reporting a sharp rise in bookings following the government's recent adjustment to import duty structures on passenger vehicles, timed just weeks before the Dashain festival — traditionally the country's biggest car-buying season. Industry representatives say the change has renewed buyer confidence after a slow first half of the fiscal year, with showrooms in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan seeing a noticeable uptick in floor traffic and pre-booking deposits.