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Bhutan

JVK International Movers LTD
19-13 Thori Lam Changangkha
Thimphu
Bhutan
Tel: 975-02-321-940
Fax: 975-02-324-729
E-mail: Please contact branch through the Contact Us page

BHUTAN
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS

SERVICE SCOPE

Rates include receipt of shipment at port or airport of entry, normal customs clearance, port or airport handling charges, delivery to residence (normal access), unpacking and removal of debris at time of delivery. Rates exclude storage, duty, tax, demurrage, detention, or other official receipted charges.

HOUSEHOLD GOODS AND PERSONAL EFFECTS

A foreigner may import used household goods and personal effects into Bhutan duty free if he or she has diplomatic status or works for a registered aid organization. For customs clearance we require:

  1. Bill of lading, packing list and passport copy.
  2. The shipper’s employer must provide JVK with a Duty Exemption Permit from The Department of Revenue & Customs, Ministry of Finance.
  3. Bhutan visa
  4. Import license is required for any 3rd party imports. License issued by Department of Trade, Ministry of Economic Affairs

If the above criteria are met, only one sea and one air shipment are permitted duty free.

The shipper must be in Bhutan at the time of clearance.

As sea shipments first enter Kolkata Port in India before being transported in-bond to Bhutan. Please ensure that the bill of lading shows “In-transit to Thimpu, Bhutan via Kolkata, India”.

For FCL shipment, please ensure that your carrier will provide 21 days free time with the container. We normally require 15-20 days for clearance, linehaul to Thimpu and return of empty container to Kolkata port. Any container detention and demurrage charges from the ocean carrier will be billed back to either the origin agent or the shipper.

PROHIBITED AND RESTRICTED GOODS

Goods prohibited from entering Bhutan include firearms, ammunition, and pornographic material.

MOTOR VEHICLES (AUTOS AND MOTORBIKES)

Foreign diplomats may import a vehicle into Bhutan duty free as long as the vehicles are re-exported upon their departure from Bhutan.  The documents required for clearance are same as those required for import used household goods.

For all other foreigners and returning Bhutanese nationals, it is almost impossible to import a vehicle.

CONSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS

Please contact the JVK office for consignment instructions.

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