Unregistered E-Commerce Platforms Face Cancellation
Kathmandu, February 21, 2026 [2082-11-09 (BS)] — Online trading platforms operating without mandatory listing will be cancelled under the law. The government has introduced this provision while finalizing the Electronic Commerce Directive, 2082.
The directive was made public this week by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies.
Mandatory Listing and Enforcement
According to the directive, if a firm is found conducting electronic commerce without listing, the firm will face legal action and will be ordered to complete listing within seven days.
If the firm still fails to complete listing within that deadline, the Department of Commerce, Supply and Consumer Protection will initiate proceedings to cancel such a platform.
Tax, E-Invoicing, and Recordkeeping
The directive requires firms involved in electronic commerce to fulfill their tax obligations.
It also mandates that an electronic invoice must be issued even when payment for goods or services is made in cash.
Transaction records, along with such invoices, must be preserved for five years.
Payment Gateway Requirements
For business transactions, firms must use only digital payment gateways approved by Nepal Rastra Bank.
Customer Data Security Obligations
The directive states that the responsibility for securing customer-related details lies with the concerned platform itself.
Platforms are required to store sensitive personal details used for verification, including the user’s password, phone number, address, and date of birth, in encrypted form (so they cannot be easily read).
The directive also requires security measures to prevent unauthorized access, misuse, or leakage of other general information.
Dispute Resolution Committee
The directive provides for the formation of a Dispute Resolution Committee to address and resolve disputes related to electronic commerce.
February 21, 2026 [2082-11-09 (BS)]
