E-commerce business registration in Nepal has become increasingly relevant with the rapid growth of online businesses. Over 90% of Nepal’s population now has internet access, driving a surge in e-commerce activity especially after the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift to digital platforms. In response, the government has passed legislation to streamline the registration process for e-commerce ventures.
Urban centers like Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Butwal are leading this growth, where a tech-savvy youth population fuels demand. Popular e-commerce categories include electronics, fashion, groceries, food delivery, education, and digital services.
Who needs an e-commerce business registration?
Anyone selling products or services online in Nepal must register their business. It includes websites, mobile apps, or even social media shops. The E-commerce Act of Nepal 2025 makes registration mandatory for all online platforms.
Whether you run a food delivery service, offer online classes, or sell clothing, you need to be registered. If not, you could face legal trouble, including fines or penalties.
The cost of registration depends on where and how you register. It varies by city and business structure. If your online business is just a small side hustle, fines could end up costing more than your monthly earnings.
Not sure what your setup cost would be? Estartup Nepal can guide you through the process. From paperwork to digital compliance, we’ll help make your online business official, step by step.
How do I get my ecommerce business registration in Nepal?
There are a number of methods for registering your business in Nepal, and they vary from nature of your business. Besides a business registration, the business also need an e-commerce permit from the department after establishing an electronic platform. The business must submit an application through electronic means to get registered on the electronic commerce portal established by the Department, along with the following details:
(a) Name and address of the business, the regulatory authority under which it is registered, and the registration certificate number.
(b) In the case of a private firm, the details of the proprietor; in the case of a partnership firm, the details of the partners; and in the case of a company or organization, the details of the company or organization.
(c) Name of the operator and identification details of the individual.
(d) Clear description of the business conducted by the businessperson.
(e) Permanent Account Number (PAN) of the business
(f) Telephone number, email, social media address (link), and contact address of the businessperson.
(g) If there are physical stores or outlets, their number and locations.
(h) Any other details as specified on the electronic portal.
Procedure of e-commerce registration in Nepal
Here is the steps for registering e-commerce in Nepal:
Step 1: Submit application to the e-commerce portal
The E-Commerce business must submit application to the e-commerce portal established by the Department of Industry along with relevant details.
Step 2: Submission for operating e-commerce platforms
Those businesses which are currently engaged in e-commerce upon the commencement of this Act are obligated to submit their applications for listings within three months from the date of enactment of the act.
Step 3: Review of platform listing number by the department
The department, should disseminate pertinent information including the platform listing number to the concerned business within seven days from receiving the application through electronic means.
Step 4: Additional relevant business updates if required
Additionally, a listed businessman should inform the changes to department of any changes, such as the addition or reduction of branches or outlets within seven days from the date of such changes.
FAQs about e-commerce business compliance in Nepal
1. What are the details to be provided to the buyers by the e-commerce business?
The business must provide the following information regarding the goods or services being traded through the electronic platform:
(a) Name, type, design, brand, model, shape or image, composition, weight, or other relevant attributes of the goods or services available for electronic commerce.
(b) The final sale price of the goods or services, including applicable taxes.
(c) Details of any additional charges applicable during delivery or transfer of the goods or services.
(d) Information on any precautions that must be taken while using the goods or services.
(e) Timeline and schedule for the transfer or delivery of the goods or services.
(f) Payment methods or modes for the goods or services.
(g) If there is any warranty or guarantee on the goods or services, its duration and terms.
(h) The person, firm, company, or organization that produces or supplies the goods or services.
(i) In the case of imported goods or services, the country where such goods or services are produced or processed.
(j) If there are any terms that must be followed after the purchase of the goods or services, the details of such terms.
(k) Whether the purchased goods or services are refundable or not; if refundable, the conditions and time period for refund.
l) The place from where the services will be delivered and the terms of service delivery.
(m) In case a buyer places an order for any goods or services, whether or not the order can be canceled before the dispatch of the goods or the start of the service, and the related details.
(n) The production date, expiry/consumption date, and any other necessary information about the goods.
(o) The key terms of the contract written in simple and understandable language.
(p) The system in place for handling customer reviews, ratings, complaints, and feedback.
2. What is the arrangement for the transfer of goods or services by the seller to the buyer?
The supplier should transfer the goods or services to the buyer or the buyer’s representative at the specified location as per the contract and within the timeframe mentioned in the contract or within a reasonable period if not specified. If the buyer or their representative wishes to physically receive the goods or services from any sales center of the supplier, the supplier should facilitate the transfer of the goods or services from that center accordingly.
3. Is there any provision for prohibition on sale of goods from the E-commerce business?
The e-commerce business should not sell the goods if the sale and purchase of any specific goods or services require a separate license or fulfillment of certain legal procedures as per prevailing laws of Nepal. Such goods or services should be sold or transacted after obtaining the required license or fulfilling those procedures.
4. What are the provisions for Payment and Receipt of goods of E-commerce business?
The price of goods or services determined on the basis of mutual agreement should be paid either before or after the sale or transfer of such goods or services. The buyer should arrange to provide the payment receipt to the seller or the seller’s representative through electronic means.
5. What is the provision regarding invoice of goods in E-commerce business?
The seller must provide the buyer with the invoice for the goods after receiving the proof of payment—either electronic or physical. This must be properly documented.
6. Is there any provisions for returning goods in e-commerce business?
If the goods purchased by the buyer do not match the details provided by the seller, the buyer may return such goods or services without using them or causing any damage. If the buyer wishes to return the goods, the seller must accept the return without charging any fee for it.
7. What are the provisions for handling personal information of customers through electronic platform?
The seller must maintain the confidentiality of any personal or identifying information related to an individual in connection with e-commerce. The confidential information must not be disclosed to anyone or used personally, except as permitted by prevailing law. However, the exchange of information related to transactions between the buyer, seller, or payment service provider involved in the purchase and sale of goods or services under a contractual agreement is not be restricted by the law.
8. What are the duties of a Seller engaged in e-commerce business?
The duties of a seller engaged in e-commerce business in Nepal are as follows:
(a) To clearly and accessibly provide the details of the products on their platform so that buyers can easily understand them.
(b) To include all information and data that must be disclosed as per the prevailing law on their platform.
(c) Not to present oneself or any other person as a fake consumer to review or rate the quality and features of the products listed for sale on the platform.
(d) Not to advertise products listed for sale in a misleading manner that misrepresents their actual features, usage limitations, or other details in a way that could deceive buyers or consumers.
(e) To maintain proper records of purchases and sales and determine the applicable tax amount based on the nature of the transactions in accordance with prevailing tax laws.
(f) Except in unavoidable circumstances, to transfer the products without exceeding the agreed timeline.
(g) To ensure warranty or guarantee (if applicable) for the products sold.
(h) To refund the amount to the buyer if different products are delivered from what was displayed or agreed upon at the time of sale.
(i) If the seller has made any explicit claims regarding the authenticity of any goods or services sold, and if any questions or legal obligations arise related to those claims, the seller must bear the responsibility for such obligations.
9. What is the applicable fines and punishment in case of violation of e-commerce business laws?
The e-commerce business may be imposed a fines ranging from twenty thousand rupees up to five hundred thousand rupees and an imprisonment up to three years.