KATHMANDU, Feb 18: The government has made registration mandatory for e-commerce businesses in a bid to formalize and regulate the growing online marketplace.
The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies issued the E-commerce Directive 2026, requiring businesses that buy and sell goods and services online to register in the government system. E-commerce entrepreneurs must submit required details through the ‘Electronic Business Listing’ portal operated by the Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection (DoCSCP).
Firms must submit their registration certificate, permanent account number (PAN), domain ownership and hosting agreement, privacy policy and cyber security test report to the department.
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Online businesses have expanded rapidly across the country in recent years. However, many operate without registering with government authorities, raising concerns about consumer protection.
The directive gives existing e-commerce platforms seven days to comply and legalize their operations. If they fail to do so, the department may take legal action.
The directive also requires platforms to immediately suspend transactions and report to the DoCSCP in cases of unauthorized access, data leakage or system malfunction. Businesses may resume operations only after resolving the issue.
In addition, e-commerce firms must use digital payment gateways approved by Nepal Rastra Bank.
Although the government enacted the E-commerce Act 2025 last year, authorities had not implemented it due to the absence of detailed directives.
The law requires online businesses to protect consumer data through encrypted systems and adopt measures to prevent data leakage and misuse.
The directive also provides for the formation of a committee to address consumer grievances. If a company fails to resolve complaints, consumers may file cases with the DoCSCP.
