Kathmandu – Cimex Inc., the official distributor of BYD in Nepal, is facing allegations of exerting undue influence by bypassing standard legal procedures for vehicle imports. 

The company has failed to submit required documents, yet instead of complying, it has sought diplomatic intervention to pressure authorities.  

While the import process was still ongoing, Cimex’s Managing Director, Yamuna Shrestha, used the letterhead of NADA Automobiles Association of Nepal to write to the Chinese Embassy.

In the letter, she claimed there were unjust obstacles in importing Chinese EVs and requested the embassy’s assistance.  

Cimex is currently trying to import BYD’s new electric vehicle, the Sealion 7.

The Department of Transport Management (DoTM) had asked for additional documents before granting approval, but Cimex has not provided them.

Instead of fulfilling the requirements, the company first turned to diplomatic channels, raising questions about whether the Chinese Embassy intervened on its behalf.  

After approaching the embassy, Cimex then appealed to Nepal’s Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport.

The company submitted an application claiming that DoTM was withholding import approval for the Sealion 7.

Despite lacking official clearance, Cimex has already cleared customs for five units of the vehicle through what some describe as a 'backdoor' process—reportedly for exhibition purposes and released on a deposit basis.  

Shankar Singh Dhami, a senior official at the ministry, confirmed receiving Cimex’s complaint, stating that the DoTM had delayed issuing a test certificate. 

'The ministry then wrote to DoTM, urging them to expedite the process once documents were submitted,' he said.

'However, Cimex’s application did not specify how many vehicles were affected or the exact reason for the hold-up,' he added.

Under Nepal's law, authorities have 15 days to decide on import requests. If documents raise concerns, the department can request further clarification before approval. 

Yet, instead of waiting, Cimex sought diplomatic intervention just days after applying for import permission.  

Yamuna Shrestha, who also chairs NADA’s Revenue Committee, wrote to the Chinese Embassy on June 4, alleging unnecessary obstructions despite submitting all required paperwork. 

However, DoTM had previously emailed Cimex seeking clarification from a Chinese testing agency about the Sealion 7’s motor power—a query that remains unanswered. 

The department also raised concerns about SIM cards found in the vehicle’s mechanical equipment, which Cimex has yet to address.  

Despite these unresolved issues, Cimex appears to be leveraging high-level connections to bypass standard procedures.

 After contacting the embassy, it is now pushing for ministerial intervention without fulfilling documentation requirements.  

One of the Ministry official said, 'Instead of submitting the necessary documents, Cimex went straight to the Chinese Embassy. This suggests they have significant influence. If diplomatic pressure escalates, it could disrupt our work and even strain government operations.'

Auto industry insiders warn that such tactics—pressuring regulators instead of cooperating—could harm Nepal’s automobile sector.

 'Going straight to an embassy instead of following due process sets a dangerous precedent,' said one industry insider.

The controversy deepened when it was revealed that Yamuna Shrestha personally signed and sent the letter to the Chinese Embassy on NADA’s letterhead, bypassing the usual protocol requiring the NADA President or General Secretary’s approval. 

'Companies should first let regulators complete their review. If issues persist, they can approach the relevant ministry. Only as a last resort should diplomatic channels be considered,' said an automobile dealer.

'But skipping steps and appealing directly to an embassy undermines the entire system.'

Many are now questioning why Cimex rushed to seek diplomatic help instead of following standard procedures.