In 2025 Nepal brought in the Electronic Commerce Act, 2081. Its message to online sellers is simple: if you sell goods or services online, the government wants to know who you are, and your customers should be able to find out too. The Department of Commerce, Supply and Consumer Protection has since told unregistered platforms that they may face action.
This guide explains the practical steps. It isn't legal advice. Rules and procedures are still being clarified, so check the latest notice from the Department of Commerce or ask a lawyer before you file.
Who needs to register?
The Act covers businesses that sell goods or services through an electronic platform: your own website or app, and in practice also sellers who take orders through social media. Marketplaces like Daraz have their own duties for the sellers on them, but if you run your own page or site and take orders directly, assume the rules apply to you.
What you need before you apply
- A registered business: firm, partnership or company certificate
- PAN or VAT registration certificate
- Your website address, app name or social media page links
- Business address and a working phone number and email
- Details of the person responsible for handling customer complaints
Where to register
Registration is done through the Department of Commerce, Supply and Consumer Protection's online e-commerce system. After review you get a listing or registration number. Keep a screenshot of the submission and the approval; you'll be asked for them by payment gateways and, sometimes, by delivery partners.
What your website or page must show
The Act expects the platform to display who the seller is. Put these in your website footer or an 'About / Legal' page, and in the About section of your Facebook and Instagram pages:
| Detail | Where to show it | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Registered business name | Footer, About page | Use the exact name on your certificate |
| Address | Footer, Contact page, Google Business Profile | Same format everywhere (helps local SEO too) |
| PAN / VAT number | Footer or invoice page | Also print it on bills |
| E-commerce listing number | Footer | Add it as soon as you receive it |
| Phone, email, complaint contact | Contact page | Name a person, not just 'admin' |
| Price, delivery and return terms | Product pages and a policy page | Show delivery charge before checkout |
Policies to write now
Even where the Act is still being clarified, clear policies protect you in disputes with customers and payment gateways. Write a delivery policy (areas, charges, time), a return and refund policy (conditions, how many days, who pays return delivery), and a privacy policy (what customer data you keep and why). Plain language beats copied legal text.
Common questions
- I only sell on Facebook. Do I still need this? Most likely yes, if you take orders and payment directly.
- Does it cost anything? Check the current fee in the Department's system; it has been low or nil, but confirm before filing.
- What if I haven't registered yet? Do it now. Registering late is far better than being listed as unregistered.
