Register Your Online Business in Nepal Easily – 2025 Rules Explained

Are you planning to start or already running an online business in Nepal? Great news — Nepal has officially passed the E-Commerce Act 2081 (2025) to regulate and protect online businesses and consumers. Whether you’re selling clothes through a website, running a food delivery app, or providing digital services, this guide explains how to register your online business legally and easily under the new law.

 What is the E-Commerce Act 2081?

The E-Commerce Act 2081 is Nepal’s first comprehensive law focused entirely on online business activities. It aims to ensure that digital commerce is safe, transparent, and accountable for both businesses and consumers. This law applies to all goods and services bought or sold through digital platforms like websites, apps, or social media in Nepal.

 Who Needs to Register?

According to the Act:

• Any firm, company, or organization conducting online business must legally register their e-commerce platform.
• Small or home-based entrepreneurs using third-party platforms (like Daraz, social media, etc.) are not required to create their own digital platform but still need to follow basic compliance if selling consistently.

 Step-by-Step: How to Register Your Online Business

Here’s how to register under the E-Commerce Act 2081:

Step 1: Have a Legal Entity

Your business must be registered as a private firm, partnership, or company through official government channels like the Office of Company Registrar or Department of Commerce.

Step 2: Create a Digital Platform

You must either:

• Build your own website, app, or digital system (e-commerce platform), or
• Sell through third-party platforms (if you’re a micro-entrepreneur).

Your platform must clearly mention:

• Business name, address, registration number
• Contact info: phone, email, social media
• VAT/PAN numbers
• Delivery, return, and refund policies
• Complaint handling contact

Step 3: Register on the Government E-Commerce Portal

After setting up your platform, apply for official e-commerce registration through the Department of Commerce’s online portal with details like:

• Business registration documents
• Owner/partner/director identity
• Business and branch details
• Online platform links
• VAT/PAN info

You’ll receive a unique registration number to display on your website or app.

What Information Must Be Shown on Your Site?

The law requires that your e-commerce platform provides:

• Product name, size, color, design, and weight
• Total price including VAT and delivery
• Delivery and return terms
• Payment methods
• Warranty or guarantee (if any)
• Seller and importer country (for imported goods)
• Cancellation and refund process

 Legal Responsibilities for Online Sellers

Under this law, businesses must:

• Deliver goods/services as promised
• Refund or replace defective or misrepresented products
• Maintain customer privacy
• Avoid fake reviews or misleading ads
• Respond to customer complaints within 15 days
• Keep the site’s information updated at all times

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Businesses that don’t comply with the E-Commerce Act could face:

• Fines from NPR 20,000 to NPR 500,000
• Imprisonment up to 3 years for serious violations
• Cancellation of registration or platform access

Examples of punishable violations:

• Operating without registering your platform
• Providing false product information
• Ignoring refund/return rights

 Why This Law is Important

Nepal's e-commerce industry has grown rapidly in recent years — but until now, there was no specific law to handle online fraud, privacy violations, or disputes. This new Act protects:

• Consumers: Ensures transparency and quality
• Businesses: Provides legal recognition and standard practices
• The economy: Encourages digital trade, investment, and taxation

Ready to Go Legal in 2025?

Now is the best time to register your online business in Nepal. Not only does it help build trust with your customers, but it also ensures legal protection for your business.

If you're just starting out, consider using a website builder like ShriGo to easily create your platform and ensure compliance. Once you’re live, complete your registration through the official portal and grow with confidence!

 Final Thoughts

The E-Commerce Act 2081 is a milestone for Nepal’s digital economy. Whether you're a solo entrepreneur or an established online brand, understanding and following this law is now essential.

Stay ahead, stay legal, and let your business thrive in the digital age of Nepal!