NAIMA Urges Business-Friendly Agency Registration Regulations: Key Meeting with Minister Deepak Kumar Sah
25th September 2026, Kathmandu
The Nepal Automobile Importers and Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) met with Industry Minister Deepak Kumar Sah to request reforms in agency registration regulations. NAIMA urged the government to define “item” clearly and remove the 0.5% security deposit requirement on separate vehicle models under the same brand to relieve financial burdens on businesses.
A high-level delegation from the Nepal Automobile Importers and Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) met with the Honorable Minister for Industry, Commerce, and Supplies, Deepak Kumar Sah, to address pressing regulatory challenges facing the Nepalese automobile sector.
The primary focus of the meeting centered on the adverse economic impacts caused by current agency registration policies and the financial burdens imposed on local importers and distributors.
Key Regulatory Issues Highlighted by NAIMA
During the discussions, NAIMA pointed out critical flaws in the existing legal framework regarding agency registration and product categorization:
0.5% Security Deposit Requirement: Companies are currently required to deposit a 0.5% security deposit based on their total capital upon agency registration or when introducing new products.
Ambiguous Definition of “Item”: Current regulations lack a clear, standardized definition for what constitutes an “item”.
Capital Immobilization: Regulators have been treating different vehicle models under the same brand as individual “items,” demanding separate security deposits for each model. This practice freezes substantial liquidity and imposes an unnecessary financial strain on automotive businesses.
To resolve these bottlenecks, NAIMA requested a precise definition of the term “item” and urged the Ministry to abolish the practice of collecting individual security deposits for multiple models imported under a single brand. NAIMA noted that formal written suggestions had previously been submitted to the Ministry regarding these necessary amendments.
Ministry Commits to Policy Review and Reform
In response to the delegation’s concerns, Minister Deepak Kumar Sah took a constructive approach, assuring NAIMA that the government is committed to fostering an entrepreneur-friendly environment.
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Minister Sah announced that:
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Past administrative decisions regarding agency registration will undergo a thorough review.
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Necessary policy adjustments will be initiated to ensure regulations are business-friendly and supportive of sector growth.
NAIMA welcomed the Ministry’s proactive stance and expressed full readiness to collaborate by providing comprehensive data, industry insights, and technical recommendations throughout the policy review process.
Key Delegation Members in Attendance
The NAIMA delegation representing the broader automotive industry included prominent business leaders and executives:
NAIMA Board Members: Nirakar Shrestha and Udayan Kabra
Strategy & Membership Affairs Coordinator: Akash Golchha
Member Company Representatives: Shasheela Motors Pvt. Ltd., Omni Motors Pvt. Ltd., Spark Automotives Pvt. Ltd., and Continental Trading Enterprises
NAIMA Executive Director: Raj Kumar Dulal
