CAN Federation, NMDA collaborate to curb Nepal's mobile grey market

KATHMANDU: Federation of Computer Association Nepal (CAN Federation) and Nepal Mobile Distributors Association (NMDA) launched a strategic collaboration to tackle policy gaps and curb the country’s mobile grey market. The agreement was reached at an Institutional Alliance Discussion held at the CAN Federation Central Office in Khusibu, Kathmandu, on Sunday.

The two organisations agreed a long-term roadmap for joint action on policy advocacy, regulation of the hardware and mobile ecosystem, and measures to stop unauthorised imports. The alliance aims to make the Nepali mobile market more secure, transparent and organised while protecting legitimate businesses and state revenue.

Acting President of CAN Federation, Chiranjibi Adhikari, said the mobile and technology sector is now the backbone of the country’s economy and that cooperation between the two bodies is essential to end anomalies in the sector. “Nepal’s mobile grey market not only drains state revenue but also pushes legitimate Nepali entrepreneurs to the brink. We will run aggressive joint advocacy campaigns to stop this,” he said.

NMDA President Raghu Tripathi said the alliance strengthens efforts to implement technical systems such as the Mobile Device Management System (MDMS) and to press for practical import policies. “This coalition gives us immense strength to lobby for the effective implementation of systems like the Mobile Device Management System and to advocate for more practical, business-friendly import policies,” he said.

The meeting set three main agendas: align institutional roles between the two executive committees; address common challenges including policy advocacy and the grey market; and prepare a long-term roadmap for collaboration. Officials said planned actions include nationwide awareness campaigns, coordinated anti-smuggling enforcement, and steps to standardise hardware compliance, dealer networks and warranty tracking.

Top leadership from both organisations attended the session. CAN Federation’s delegation included Acting President Adhikari, general secretary, treasurer and executive members of the 15th committee. Likewise, NMDA was represented by President Tripathi, the immediate past president, vice president, general secretary and treasurer.

The alliance signals a united effort to protect consumers, secure legitimate trade channels and restore revenue integrity while unregulated imports continue to affect local technology investment.