The import of unassembled motorcycles through the Birgunj port has increased dramatically. Compared to the first seven months of the previous financial year, the import of unassembled motorcycles has increased by three times in the seven months of the current financial year.

Importers are importing motorcycle parts separately and manufacturing and selling motorcycles in Nepal. As a result, the import of ready-made motorcycles is decreasing like in previous years. 

In the 7 months from July to January of the current financial year, 19 thousand 945 unassembled motorcycles worth 2.5 billion rupees have been imported through this channel. This has raised a revenue of 1 billion 86 crore rupees. During the same period of the last financial year, 7,638 unassembled motorcycles worth 76 crore rupees were imported through this channel, from which 67 crore revenue was collected.

Pulsar and TVA brand motorcycles, which are the most sold in Nepal, are imported by Jagdamba Group, said Amit Tiwari, Information Officer of Birgunj Customs Office. He said that since the assembled plants of both motorcycles have been established in Nepal, the importers are bringing parts and assembling them in Nepal rather than importing ready-made motorcycles.

Tiwari says that import of unassembled motorcycles has increased because the excise duty is lower than that of ready-made motorcycles. "Generally, when importing a ready-made motorcycle, 30 percent excise duty is charged," he said, "but when importing an unassembled motorcycle, only 15 percent excise duty is paid."