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!
