Helmets and Leg-Guards Being Made Domestically: Kohinoor Group’s Production Capacity is 5,000 Daily, Demand Rises for Designs Reflecting Nepalese Identity

14 Bhadra, Kathmandu.

Most helmets used by two-wheeler riders for their safety are imported from foreign markets. However, recently, some youths have been importing raw materials and producing them in Nepal.

The Rupandehi-based Kohinoor Group, which has been producing helmets and leg-guards domestically, has stated that despite expanding its production capacity, it is currently producing a limited quantity according to market demand.

Suman Basyal, a representative of Kohinoor Plastic Industries Pvt. Ltd. and Kohinoor Metal Industry, met at the NADA Auto Show, said that although the company has the capacity to produce five thousand units of ‘KPI helmets’ daily, current market demand is around 1,200 to 1,500 units, and production is being done accordingly.

According to him, due to the lack of necessary tiered difference in customs duty between imported finished goods and raw materials for domestic production, Nepalese industries are facing difficulty competing as expected.

‘The daily production capacity is five thousand units. But since the market demand is only 12 to 15 hundred units, we are currently producing only 12 to 15 hundred,’ he said. ‘Specifically, there should be a difference between imported goods and raw materials, or a tiered customs duty difference, but that has not happened. However, the market is slowly improving. The government has also provided some facilitation. We hope to reach full production capacity soon.’

Stating that the government is working for improvement in this matter, Basyal expressed hope that an environment would be created in the coming days for the company to utilize its full production capacity.

Production of 13 Helmet Models

Kohinoor has been producing helmets from models KH1 to KH13. According to Basyal, the company is producing and distributing ISI and DOT certified helmets in Nepal for the first time. He said that the price of the company’s helmets ranges from 1,500 to 3,500 rupees.

Similarly, Kohinoor Metal Industry has also been producing motorcycle leg guards. The price of leg-guards ranges from approximately 1,200 to 1,800 rupees.

According to Basyal, customers particularly like helmets with designs that reflect Nepalese identity. The company’s ‘Heritage Series’ incorporates various historical and cultural heritages of Nepal into the helmet graphics.

Similarly, he stated that the ‘Mustang Series’, introduced under the KH6 model, includes Muktinath Temple, Mustang’s geographical structure, and flyers in its design. He mentioned that helmets from these series are in high demand in the market.

He stated that Kohinoor has delivered its products to all 77 districts of the country. He mentioned that various dealers, showrooms, and importers are associated with the company’s network. According to Basyal, 450 to 500 people are associated only with the company’s direct dealer network.

He said that excise duty should primarily be used with the aim of discouraging imported goods, and that imposing excise duty even on goods that can be produced in Nepal has negatively affected domestic industries.

He said that if at least a two-tiered difference in customs duty is maintained between raw materials and finished helmets, it would be easier for Nepalese industries to compete.

Basyal said that Kohinoor currently provides direct employment to 250 to 300 people, and if an industry-friendly environment is created, the number of jobs could be increased to five hundred.

Many customers visiting the NADA Auto Show exhibition gave positive feedback after learning that helmets are being produced in Nepal. He said that the interest and encouragement shown by customers towards domestic products has further motivated the company.

Indian Helmets up to Eight Thousand

Customer attraction is also seen towards Indian brand helmets displayed by Paudel Enterprises at the NADA Auto Show. Uddhav Dhungana, a representative of Paudel Enterprises, stated that the market for Indian-produced brands is strong in Nepal.

According to Dhungana, Studds brand has been producing various types of helmets including half, full, and modular. He mentioned that Studds has been popular among Nepali riders for a long time due to its emphasis on safety.

He said, ‘Studds is an Indian brand. It has half, full, modular helmets. We have helmets ranging from 2,200 up to seven to eight thousand.’

Dhungana stated that Studds’ sales and distribution network is spread throughout Nepal.

For more: Kohinoor Group Leads Domestic Manufacturing