HOW TO CLEAR CUSTOMS IN TRIBHUVAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (TIA) FOR RELIEF MATERIALS?

There has been a lot of uncertainty regarding receiving supplies and cargo via TIA, and conflicting reports about the taxes being levied on these supplies.  

A facebook post from Nishant Shrestha here gives us a detail step-by-step guide to getting relief materials to Kathmandu. He is also working with the Nepal Airport Relief Coordination Unit. They have set-up contact points at two location inside the TIA - one next to the German information point, and the other inside the Arrivals area. 

Now people can send the relief material and there will be no customs charged! Here is how it needs to be done -

To send

1. The one sending the relief material has to send it to a social organization it can be NGO , INGO or a registered community club.
2. Please have the name and address written or printed clearly.

To receive

1. The receiving organization needs to be a social organization as states above.
2. The receiving organization needs to bring a letter in their stamped letter head stating the purpose of the relief material and where they will distribute it. They will also need to submit cargo list or packing list.
3. They need to declare the total worth of the relief item and sign a contract stating how and where it will be distributed.
4. After the distribution , the social organization needs to make a report of distribution and get it approved by the local governing body at the distributed area , can be police, army or any government authority. Nepal customs will then followup on the issue later with the local bodies and in case the local body will not be able to provide authentic letter , total custom of that consignment will be charged to the local social organization.

In case of any problem , we are at the airport. Please get all documents ready and call my number is 00977 9801122000 and 00977 9851021000

UPDATE: 05/02/2014