Mandatory Registration Enforced for E-Commerce Businesses Operating in Nepal

18th August 2026, Kathmandu

The Department of Commerce Supplies and Consumer Protection has issued an urgent public notice directing all entities selling goods or services through electronic platforms to complete mandatory registration before conducting business operations.

Mandatory Registration Enforced for E-Commerce Businesses

This requirement applies comprehensively to businesses utilizing websites mobile applications dedicated software and social media channels.

Regulatory Scope and Legal Framework

The regulatory enforcement follows the implementation of two primary legal frameworks designed to govern digital trade:

• Electronic Commerce E-Commerce Act 2081
• Electronic Commerce Directive 2082

Under Section 4 of the Act businesses are legally required to establish a formal electronic platform prior to commencing operations. Section 5 explicitly mandates that all such platforms must register through the official online portal maintained by the Department.

The Department clarified that e-commerce activities encompass any exchange of information or commercial transaction involving goods and services conducted through computers mobile devices or internet connected systems.

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Sectors Covered Under E-Commerce Regulations

The scope of the new regulatory mandate extends significantly beyond standard retail and daily consumer goods. The Department outlined that digital transactions across a broad spectrum of service sectors fall directly under e-commerce laws including:

• Educational services and digital learning platforms
• Healthcare and medical services
• Transportation and logistics bookings
• Tourism travel and hospitality services
• Banking financial and insurance services
• Repair maintenance and home support services

Reasons Behind Heightened Regulatory Oversight

The Department of Commerce Supplies and Consumer Protection initiated stricter enforcement in response to a growing number of consumer grievances. Key issues reported by consumers include:

• Misleading product descriptions and digital fraud across online platforms
• Payment discrepancies within digital transaction systems
• Distribution and delivery of substandard low quality goods and services

Strict Legal Penalties for Non Compliance

The Department has instructed all operating and proposed e-commerce entities to complete the online registration process immediately and ensure full compliance with current laws.

Businesses found operating without valid registration or utilizing unauthorized digital channels after the issuance of this notice will face strict legal enforcement under the Electronic Commerce E-Commerce Act 2081 alongside other applicable consumer protection laws.

Consumers seeking to log grievances regarding online purchases can submit formal complaints directly via the official email address of the Department. Additional regulatory details and registration forms remain accessible through the official portal of the Department.

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