Department of Commerce Cracks Down on Bhatbhateni and Other Businesses for Consumer Protection Violations
13th August 2025, Kathmandu
The Department of Commerce, Supplies, and Consumer Protection has launched a major crackdown on businesses failing to adhere to consumer protection regulations, with prominent retailer Bhatbhateni Super Market among those facing action.
Bhatbhateni-Consumer-Protection-Violations
The department’s recent inspections, conducted on Tuesday, Shrawan 27 (August 12), resulted in directives, fines, and summons for a wide range of enterprises across the Kathmandu Valley. This move signals a strengthened commitment from the government to enforce the Consumer Protection Act, 2074 (2017), and its corresponding regulations, ensuring fair practices and protecting consumer rights.
The inspection team’s visit to Bhatbhateni Super Market and Departmental Store Pvt. Ltd., located in Kathmandu Metropolitan City–05, led to the issuance of necessary instructions and actions. While the specific nature of the violations at Bhatbhateni was not detailed in the department’s public statement, the action underscores a zero-tolerance policy for any business, regardless of its size or reputation, that is found to be non-compliant.
As a leading retail giant in Nepal, this directive to Bhatbhateni sends a clear message to the entire business community about the importance of upholding consumer protection standards. Beyond the high-profile case of Bhatbhateni, the department’s sweep uncovered numerous irregularities across various sectors. The inspections led to the imposition of significant fines on several establishments.
New Waniya Utensils Shop, located in Kathmandu Metropolitan City–96, was fined a hefty NPR 55,000. Similarly, Chakrabarti Furniture & Interior Pvt. Ltd., situated in Kathmandu Metropolitan City–14, received a fine of NPR 51,000, and Run Steel Furniture Pvt. Ltd., from Kathmandu Metropolitan City–13, was penalized with NPR 11,000. These fines highlight the department’s focus on ensuring that businesses are operating legally and transparently.
In addition to the immediate penalties, the department also issued a number of summonses and directives. Adarsha Business Pvt. Ltd., based in Kathmandu Metropolitan City–15, has been instructed to appear before the department within three days, bringing all relevant business documents. A similar instruction was given to Sakam Trading Concern, located in Kathmandu Metropolitan City–16, which must also present its necessary paperwork for review.
Furthermore, the department emphasized the need for full compliance with the law. Kyodai Multipurpose Consultancy Pvt. Ltd., of Kathmandu Metropolitan City–28, was specifically instructed to operate its business in complete accordance with the obligations mandated by the Consumer Protection Act, 2075 (2018).
The department also reported that general directives were issued to several other businesses, including Kathmandu Landmark Consultancy Pvt. Ltd., Skill Spark Pvt. Ltd., A-One K Fashion Collection, and Global Tyre & Accessories.
This extensive series of actions by the Department of Commerce, Supplies, and Consumer Protection demonstrates a proactive approach to market regulation. It is a critical step towards building consumer trust and fostering a fair business environment in Nepal.
Businesses are now on notice that non-compliance with consumer protection laws will not be overlooked. For consumers, this is a positive development, as it strengthens their position and ensures their rights are being actively defended. This recent enforcement activity serves as a crucial reminder for all businesses to review their practices and ensure they are operating within the legal framework established to protect the public.
The focus on both large corporations like Bhatbhateni and smaller enterprises shows that the law applies to everyone, reinforcing the principle of equal application of justice in the commercial sector.
