Fiscal Nepal
First Business News Portal in English from Nepal
KATHMANDU: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has invited international competitive bids for the designing, printing, supply, and delivery of 430 million pieces of Rs 1,000 denomination banknotes, marking one of the largest-ever procurements of currency notes in Nepal’s history.
The central bank’s Currency Management Department published the invitation on 26 August 2025 under the procurement number NRB/CMD/ICB/G-02/082/83, seeking bids exclusively from pre-qualified global security printers.
According to NRB, the process will follow the Single Stage Two Envelope procedure, where bidders must submit both technical and financial proposals in separate sealed envelopes. Bids will be opened at the NRB Currency Management Department, Thapathali, on 10 October 2025 at 1:00 PM, immediately after the submission deadline at noon the same day.
Strict Terms and Conditions
Bid Validity: 120 days from opening (until 7 February 2026).
Bid Security: Minimum of Rs 640 million (NPR 64 crore) or equivalent in USD, EUR, or GBP, valid up to 9 March 2026.
Document Fees: NPR 20,000 (or USD 144, EUR 123, GBP 107) payable to NRB’s designated accounts.
Pre-bid Meeting: Scheduled for 16 September 2025 at NRB Thapathali.
The central bank has cautioned that firms blacklisted under the Public Procurement Act, 2007, or those linked to blacklisted directors and investors, will not be eligible. It also reserved the right to accept or reject any or all bids without providing justification.
Currency Procurement and Economic Context
This large-scale procurement comes at a time when demand for higher denomination banknotes has risen sharply, driven by Nepal’s growing money supply, rising inflationary pressures, and increased cash-based transactions in trade and remittances.
NRB officials say the procurement will help meet future circulation needs while replacing older and damaged banknotes. The project also aligns with international standards on currency security, durability, and anti-counterfeiting measures, as the new notes are expected to include updated security features.
With Nepal heavily dependent on foreign printers for its currency supply, this bidding process will likely draw interest from leading global firms in Europe and Asia specializing in high-security banknote production.
The NRB has made the full bid document available through its Currency Management Department offices in Thapathali and Babarmahal or electronically via secure request.
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