The Government of Nepal’s Department of Industry, under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, has announced a major shift toward fully digital service delivery, making online applications mandatory for services provided by the department. In an urgent public notice dated Shrawan 13, 2083 BS, the department stated that most of its services were already operating through an online system, while the remaining services were being integrated into the platform. Beginning Shrawan 15, 2083 BS, applications and supporting documents for departmental services must be submitted through the Industry Management Information System (IMIS), and physical applications or documents will no longer be accepted for these services. However, applicants whose previously submitted cases require physical presence must appear personally or through an authorized representative with official identification when requested by the department.
The online system covers a wide range of industrial and investment-related services, including new industry registration, cottage industry registration, industry relocation, capital and capacity expansion, industry cancellation, renewal, share structure amendments, name changes and changes in business objectives. It also facilitates foreign investment approvals, including applications through the Automatic Route, business visa recommendations, repatriation, technology transfer agreements, share purchases, annual progress reporting, corporate social responsibility matters and environmental approvals such as Initial Environmental Examination (IEE), Terms of Reference (ToR) and Revised IEE. The department has provided QR codes to guide users through online registration, service access and industry data updates.
The notice further clarifies that industries with fixed capital below Rs 250 million that fall within provincial jurisdiction must obtain relevant recommendations and services from the concerned provincial government or its subordinate agencies. These include recommendations related to machinery, equipment, raw materials, chemical imports, bonded warehouse facilities and other applicable concessions. By directing applicants to the appropriate administrative authority and requiring digital submissions for departmental services, the government aims to streamline industrial administration, reduce paperwork and improve service efficiency. The notice does not introduce new registration fees or announce changes to the substantive eligibility requirements for industry registration and foreign investment approval.
