“Online business platforms come under Information and Communication Technology minimum standards”, 10 Jan 2026
New e-commerce guidelines mandate registration, audits and local representation for foreign platforms to curb fraud and protect consumers.
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The Ministry of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection can now enforce ICT minimum standards on online business platforms under the E-commerce Guidelines, 2026, which came into effect this week, strengthening the state’s role in protecting consumers, the economy and digital institutions. The guidelines have been enacted pursuant to the E-commerce Act, 2025, which came into force in April last year. Under the new provisions, all online business platforms must be audited and certified by the Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection based on prescribed standards. The law applies to all forms of online sales, including transactions conducted through social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and WhatsApp. It also extends to foreign e-commerce platforms. Any international company selling goods to Nepali consumers must establish a local office or appoint an authorised local representative for complaint handling and regulatory compliance. Foreign-registered platforms operating in Nepal are required to comply with prevailing laws related to commerce, company and firm registration, transportation, taxation, consumer protection, data privacy and other applicable regulations. .. Nepal’s e-commerce market has expanded rapidly in recent years, with transactions estimated to be worth billions of rupees. Much of the growth has been driven by informal sellers operating through social media, many of whom remain unregistered and outside the tax net and consumer protection framework. .. Under the drafted guidelines, every e-commerce operator must mandatorily list its firm on the department’s online portal. The Commerce Department is required to issue listing approval within seven days of receiving a complete application. ..For consumer protection and dispute resolution, online platforms must establish online mechanisms for complaint registration and management. If complaints are not resolved at the platform level, consumers can file them with the department, which must resolve such cases within 15 days. An e-commerce conflict resolution committee will be formed under the coordination of the director of the department’s e-commerce business branch, with representation from buyers, sellers and inspection officers.
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