KATHMANDU: The administration has stated that sanitary pads are not subject to an additional tax.
The Ministry of Finance has voiced concern about false stories circulating on social media and in the mainstream media claiming that the government has increased customs duties on sanitary pads imports.
The 15 percent customs duty that has been imposed on the import of sanitary pads since 2069/70 BS has been preserved in the Economic Act 2078 BS, and no additional tax has been added.
"We advise all stakeholders not to be misled by false information that the incumbent government has hiked the tax," said sources in the Finance Ministry.
In addition, the Ministry of Finance confirmed that the previous 10% customs charge on the import of raw materials used by domestic industry to manufacture sanitary pads has been cut to 5%. "The reduction in raw material imports was aimed to encourage domestic industries and contribute to import substitution."
