Are there any Bhutanese government regulations on purchasing handicrafts, tea, or other local products?

Most handicrafts and items sold in licensed souvenir shops are already approved and cleared by the Department of Trade and Customs. Purchasing Souvenir handicrafts, tea, and similar items in small quantities for personal use generally does not pose any problem, provided the items comply with Bhutanese laws and you retain the purchase receipt.

If you plan to purchase religious or culturally significant items—such as statues, antiques, or older thangkas—the shop must provide a clearance certificate from the Department of Antiquities before the item can be taken out of the country.