BHUTAN (BTN)

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At MSC we offer reliable and efficient shipping services to and from Bhutan, for a host of markets and suppliers seeking to do business in and out of the eastern end of the Himalayas. If this is the first time you’ve shipped to the Kingdom of Bhutan be sure to take a look at our in-depth country guide, covering everything from general trade information to import and export procedures, designed to ensure the smooth transport of your goods to or from Bhutan.

Fact file

• ISO Code: BTN
• Language: Dzongkha
• Currency: Bhutanese ngultrum (BTN)
• Time zone: GMT+6
• Dialling code: +975
• Capital city: Thimphu
• Area: 38,394 sq km (23,856 sq mi)
• Population: 733,643
• Weights and measures: Metric system
• Electricity supply: 230v. 50Hz

Key commodities and trading partners

Exports

Electricity (to India), ferrosilicon, cement, calcium carbide, copper wire, manganese, vegetable oil

Imports

Fuel and lubricants, passenger cars, machinery and parts, fabrics, rice

Principal trading partners - exports

• India: 83.8%
• Hong Kong: 10.8%

Principal trading partners - imports

• India: 72.3%
• South Korea: 6%

Ports and terminals

• N/a

Prohibited cargo

Imports

• Illegal drugs
• Guns, explosives and ammunition
• Knives and deadly weapons
• Plant and plant products
• Meat and meat products
• Pets and animals
• Religious or rare cultural artefacts
• Hazardous materials
• Counterfeit money and goods
• Pornographic material
• Any other goods which are prohibited by any laws or international conventions or treaties to which Bhutan is a signature

Though the above items are the only ones prohibited, there are a number of goods that are heavily restricted. For more information, see the links below.

Exports

• Illegal drugs
• Guns, explosives and ammunition
• Knives and deadly weapons
• Plant and plant products
• Meat and meat products
• Pets and animals
• Religious or rare cultural artefacts
• Hazardous materials
• Counterfeit money and goods
• Pornographic material

For full details of prohibited cargo in Bhutan please visit the following site:

Import and export regulations