The UAE-Nepal Gold Pipeline: Numbers That Matter

The United Arab Emirates dominates Nepal's gold supply. In Shrawan 2025 (mid‑July to mid‑August), Nepal imported 100 kg of bullion from UAE worth Rs 1.526 trillion, generating Rs 152.6 billion in customs revenue at 10% duty. This single shipment was 92% of monthly gold imports, with UAE also supplying 2,538g unwrought gold worth Rs 35.2M.​

Overall, UAE exports to Nepal reached USD 321.81M in 2022, with gold as the top commodity. Nepal's gold imports strain forex reserves but fund Rs 166B revenue in nine months FY25. For 2026, expect continued UAE dominance as gold prices hit Rs 262,500/tola amid global rallies.

Why UAE Gold Goes to Nepal by Air

Gold moves exclusively by air due to:

• High value per kg – Higher landed rate justifies premium air costs.​
• Security risks – Bullion requires armored vehicles, GPS seals, armed escorts.
• Banking rules – Nepal mandates L/C or advance payment via local banks; air enables fast custody transfer .
• Time sensitivity – Gold dealers hedge against price swings; 2-4 day transit beats sea's 4-6 weeks.

Routes: Dubai/Abu Dhabi → Doha/Delhi hubs → Kathmandu (TIA). Transit: 2-4 days airport‑to‑airport.

Nepal's Gold Import Regulations: What UAE Shippers Must Know

Nepal's gold rules are strict:

• Banking mandate – Imports via L/C or prepayment through Nepal Rastra Bank‑approved banks .
• HS codes – 7108.13 (bullion), 7108.12 (unwrought) – 10% customs duty.​
• Quantity limits – Central bank authorizes daily imports; traders buy ≤1kg/bank.​
• No private bar gold – Only jewelry for individuals; bullion for banks/jewelers.
• Forex scrutiny – Non‑productive imports strain reserves amid $970M monthly deficits .

2026 forecast: Gold prices to Rs 250-260K/tola as global spot hits $4,000+/oz. Sea Sky coordinates banking, permits, HS classification.

Sea Sky's Secure Air Freight Process

Sea Sky Cargo Service's UAE-Nepal gold protocol:

1. Pre‑shipment coordination – Verify banking (L/C/advance payment), HS codes, quantity approvals.
2. Packaging/security – Bullion in sealed, tamper‑proof cases with GPS trackers, often in armored pallets.
3. Carrier booking – Priority air cargo slots via Qatar, Emirates SkyCargo, or IndiGo freighters .
4. Documentation – Commercial invoice, packing list, MSDS (if applicable), bank guarantees.
5. Flight execution – Armed escorts if required, temperature/monitoring en route.
6. Kathmandu arrival – Direct customs hand‑off to NRB‑authorized banks or jewelers.

Transit: 48-96 hours Dubai-KTM with same‑day banking clearance.

High‑Value Cargo Security: Sea Sky's Edge

Gold shipments demand:

• DG compliance if alloys/chemicals involved (UN3481 lithium if electronics bundled).
• Tamper‑evident seals, GPS, 24/7 monitoring.
• Armed escorts for ground legs (UAE airport to plane, KTM plane to bank).
• Insurance up to full value, with war/riot coverage.

Sea Sky's 38+ years include secure bullion runs, minimizing theft/damage risks.

2026 Gold Market Forecast: Plan With Sea Sky

Price outlook: Rs 260-300K/tola as global hits $4,000+/oz. UAE dominance continues (90%+ share).

Challenges: Forex strain ($970M monthly deficits), import curbs . Opportunities: Bank jewelry demand amid festivals.​

Sea Sky offers volume contracts for steady flows, priority slots, banking coordination.

Beyond Gold: UAE-Nepal Trade Diversity

Nepal to UAE exports ($3.76M 2022): carpets, woolens, paan masala. UAE to Nepal ($321M): copper wire, electronics​

Sea Sky handles full corridor: secure air for valuables, sea for bulk.

Why Book Sea Sky for UAE-Nepal Gold in 2026

• Proven secure protocol – 38+ years, zero incidents.
• Bank/customs coordination – L/C, HS 7108 expertise.
• Fast transit – 48-96hrs Dubai-KTM.
• Transparent tracking – GPS, real‑time updates.
• Volume discounts – For regular jewellery/bullion flows.

Contact Sea Sky: +977-1-5570460 | [email protected]