Kathmandu, 18 August (H.S.):

Nepal’s Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies has directed all businesses engaged in the sale of goods and services through electronic channels and digital platforms to complete mandatory registration before commencing operations.

The ministry’s Electronic Trade, Science and Information Technology Division said the Electronic Commerce (E-Commerce) Act and the E-Commerce Directive are now in force and urged businesses to complete all prescribed legal formalities. Under the law, businesses conducting transactions in goods and services through websites, mobile applications, software, the internet and social media marketplaces are classified as e-commerce businesses.

According to the ministry, such businesses must establish their electronic platform and register it through the concerned department’s portal before beginning commercial operations. The ministry said complaints have increased in recent days about consumers being misled or defrauded through various electronic channels and digital payment systems, as well as the sale and distribution of substandard goods and services.

It therefore urged all businesses operating through electronic platforms to complete the prescribed procedures, register with the department and conduct their operations in full compliance with the applicable laws.

The ministry warned that businesses found operating without registration or through an unauthorised or illegal electronic platform would face strict legal action under the Electronic Commerce Act, 2081, and other prevailing laws.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar