Kathmandu-  BYD has been found importing the Sealion 7 embedded with Chinese SIM cards. 

Surprisingly, Cimex—the official distributor of BYD, which is authorized only to import vehicles—has sought permission to import SIM cards from a Hong Kong-based provider.

As per the law, importing a SIM card requires a license or import permit from the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA).

However, Cimex Inc has failed to comply with this regulation. 

In Nepal, an import permit from the Department of Transport is mandatory for vehicles and related goods to ensure compliance with regulations and safety standards.

However, when Cimex submitted documents requesting import permission for the BYD Sealion 7, has also included SIM cards, which raised the eyebrows of the officials at the department. 

The department was unable to make any decision on this matter, as no one had ever officially sought permission to import a vehicle with SIM cards embedded in it. 

'The documents also have mentioned a charger and SIM card, which is new complication for us,' said a department technician, adding, 'Since a vehicle is considered mechanical equipment, embedding SIM cards in it raises the question of whether we need to consult relevant regulatory bodies.'

 Moreover, Biznessnews also discovered that the imported SIM card is already activated and issued by China Mobile Hong Kong—a telecom company wholly owned by the Chinese government.

NTA  Spokesperson Min Prasad Aryal said the matter is under investigation. 

'Under Nepali law, only licensed telecom operators and satellite operators are authorized to import SIM cards. While roaming SIMs used by individuals are handled by the operators themselves, 'he said. 'The auto importer that imported international SIM card  is a matter of serious concern and must be thoroughly investigated.'

The NTA clarified that it does not fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Transport to issue SIM card import permits.

Similarly, the Rasuwa Customs Office stated that Cimex had not submitted any document showing approval from the NTA for importing SIM cards.

A customs official commented that the customs office should not have taken this sensitive issue lightly, saying,  'Allowing the import of active SIM cards from a foreign telecom company without examining is a serious issue.'
 
'Rasuwa Customs couldn't overlook saying they were unsure on this matter. This is not acceptable. It looks like there is collusion between the importer and customs. This matter should draw the attention of the Department of Customs and even the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA),' said the official.

The official further stated that the customs should clearly refuse permission to import any car embedded with foreign SIM cards and refer the matter to the NTA. 

Cimex had imported 50 SIM cards from China.

The import documents show the SIM cards were categorized under customs subheading 8523.52.10, which is specifically designated for telecom SIM cards. 

According to Nepali customs regulations, SIM cards imported for telecom use are exempt from customs duty, but are subject to 10 percent excise and 13 percent VAT. Cimex’s import was processed under the same classification.

The invoice issued by BYD (HK) Limited to Cimex Inc. on April 29, 2025, shows that each SIM card was purchased for 2,300 Chinese Yuan.

Generally, the average import cost of a SIM card, including tax, is around Rs 60 to 70, according to customs data. 

However, at the mentioned exchange rate of 19.14, Cimex paid Rs 44,022 per SIM card. 

Including insurance, freight, and all taxes, the final landed cost in Nepal stood at Rs 58,587 per SIM card.

No SIM card previously imported into Nepal has ever been valued this high. If that amount was actually transferred under the HS code for SIM cards but in reality was payment for data or another service, then it would constitute a serious violation.

Cimex’s activities raise suspicions of possible misdeclaration and 'foreign currency smuggling.' 

Regulatory agencies now need to launch a serious investigation.