Selling on Daraz Nepal or via Blanxer? Under Nepal’s E-Commerce Act 2081, you cannot legally sell online without listing your business on the e-commerce portal!

The deadline to register your online business is getting close. But not all sellers need to. Find out if the E-Commerce Act 2081 applies to you and how to comply.

You started small, maybe just testing the waters with a few posts on Instagram or going live on TikTok to sell your products. Maybe you built a website, maybe not. But people started buying. Word spread. And you kept going.

And just like that, you were running an online business.

Honestly, it’s been kind of a free-for-all out there. With no clear rules, no official registration, just DMs, mobile payments, and a whole lot of trust.

That’s changing now.

With the new E-Commerce Act, 2081, the government made it pretty clear that if you’re selling anything online, you may now have a legal obligation to get your business listed with the Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection (DOICS).

And the deadline is just around the corner: Shrawan 2, 2082.

But the thing is; not everyone needs to get listed. It depends on how you’re selling, where you’re selling, and what kind of online business you’re running. 

For instance, if you’re a vendor selling on Daraz Nepal, your compliance path looks very different than if you’re running your own TikTok shop or Shopify store.

We know this might sound overwhelming at first, so let’s walk through this step-by-step

Who needs to register? What are the rules? And how do you make sure you're on the right side of the law?

Let’s get into it.

What Exactly Is the E-Commerce Act, 2081?

Nepal’s E-Commerce Act, 2081 is the country’s first full-fledged attempt to formally regulate the digital buying and selling of goods and services.

It was officially published in the Nepal Gazette on Chaitra 3, 2081 (March 16, 2025), and it applies to any individual or company using digital platforms, including websites, mobile apps, and social media to conduct business.

Platforms like Daraz Nepal, Foodmandu, and many emerging marketplaces have transformed how Nepalis buy and sell, and the law is finally catching up.

Think of it as Nepal’s long-overdue response to a digital boom that got too big to ignore.

What Does the Law Actually Cover?

This Act isn't just about filling out a form and getting a registration number. It’s about setting the rules of the game for anyone operating in the digital commerce space.

Here’s what it aims to do:

1. Protect Consumers

The Act makes sure that buyers are not being misled or exploited. It forces sellers to be transparent about what they’re offering, whether it’s a product, a service, or a refund policy.

2. Ensure Fair Business Practices

No more ghost sellers, false advertising, or switching products after payment. Platforms must follow clear protocols, and sellers are accountable for delivery, quality, and terms of sale.

3. Prevent Digital Fraud and Data Misuse

Fake reviews? Misleading discounts? Leaking customer data? The law cracks down on all of it. It also enforces confidentiality of customer information and bans manipulation of ratings or feedback.

4. Improve Tax Compliance

Until now, a large part of Nepal’s e-commerce economy has been operating informally. No PAN, no VAT, no accountability. This law integrates e-commerce platforms with the tax system so that legitimate businesses thrive, and freeloaders can’t hide.

Why Did Nepal Introduce This Law Now?

Simple: E-commerce exploded. But regulation didn’t keep up.

From Kathmandu to Kohalpur, people are buying everything from mobile covers to makeup online. Meanwhile, platforms mushroomed overnight. Some are honest businesses. Others? Not so much.

Customers were getting cheated. Sellers were skipping taxes. There was no central system to track who’s doing what.

The government needed to step in. Not to kill the market, but to clean it up and formalize it.

That’s where the E-Commerce Act comes in.

It’s not about killing creativity or side hustles. It’s about making sure every player follows the same fair rules. So if you’re running a genuine business, or planning to, you’ll actually benefit from being compliant.

First Things First: What Kind of Online Business Are You?

Before you dive into the registration process, you need to ask yourself a crucial question:
What type of e-commerce business am I running?

Why? Because the law treats different types of businesses differently. Your obligations, and the way you get listed, depend on what role you play in the online marketplace.

Let’s break it down:

1. Intermediary Business (Like Daraz Nepal)

[Defined under Section 2(f)]

You don’t sell your own products. Instead, you run a platform like Daraz Nepal that connects buyers and sellers.

Think of marketplaces like Daraz, Foodmandu. These platforms host multiple vendors, process transactions, and handle deliveries. Because they facilitate the entire buying process, they’re required by law to verify vendors, display clear listings, maintain transaction records, and help with refunds.

But not all intermediaries operate this way.

Take Blanxer, for example. It’s a Nepali platform built to help individuals and small businesses set up their own online stores. No coding required, hence, no hassle. From creating a website to managing orders, tracking inventory, accepting payments through eSewa, FonePay, or Khalti, and even handling delivery, Blanxer brings everything under one roof. 

But the thing is, Blanxer doesn’t run a marketplace or sell on your behalf. Each store is run independently, and transactions happen directly between the seller and the customer. Still, since it helps enable online sales, Blanxer is considered an intermediary under the E-Commerce Act and has to play by the same legal rules.

2. List-Based E-Commerce Business

[Defined under Section 2(o)]

You sell your own goods or services directly to customers using digital means.

This includes:

• Your own website
• A mobile app
• An Instagram shop
• A TikTok page where you take orders

You might be a fashion brand, a homemade soap seller, or a tech gear shop. The point is, you’re not hosting other sellers. You’re selling your own stuff.

Your role: You must clearly state your return/refund policies, be transparent about product details, honor warranties, and maintain records.

3. Vendor / Seller

[Defined under Section 2(m)]

You're the source. A manufacturer, importer, or wholesaler who sells goods online, but you don’t run a platform.

You may:

• Sell your products on Daraz or other intermediary platforms
• Use a friend’s Facebook page to display your products
• Supply goods to other online stores

Your role: If you’re selling via an already-listed intermediary platform, you don’t need to get listed separately with DOICS. The intermediary handles that.

BUT, if you plan to sell directly through your own website or app, then you do need to get listed.

Still Not Sure Which One You Are?

Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

What Are Your Legal Duties Under the E-Commerce Act?

Once you’ve figured out what kind of e-commerce business you run, it’s time to get serious about your responsibilities under the law.

The E-Commerce Act doesn’t just ask you to register your business and call it a day. It clearly outlines what you must do depending on your business type, whether you’re running a platform, selling your own products, or acting as a vendor through someone else’s app.

Let’s break it down by role, using the actual sections from the Act:

1. If You’re an Intermediary E-Commerce Business

You're essentially a digital marketplace like Daraz, Foodmandu, or SastoDeal. You allow other sellers to list and sell their products or services through your platform.

So what are your legal responsibilities?

Your Must-Do List (Section 14):

1. Show Accurate Product Info:
   Only list products that are clearly described, factually accurate, and don't mislead buyers. You’re responsible for making sure buyers can make informed decisions.
2. Maintain Transaction Records:
   Keep proper logs of who sold what, to whom, and when, especially for tax purposes.
3. Enforce Warranties and Guarantees:
   If a seller promises a warranty, you must make sure it’s honored.
4. Be Fair to All Sellers:
   You can’t play favorites. Unless there's a legitimate reason, you must give equal treatment to all vendors, and if there’s a special deal, it has to be clearly disclosed.
5. Sign Contracts with All Sellers:
   Every seller on your platform must have a formal (written or digital) agreement with you before they start selling.
6. Help with Returns or Refunds:
   If a buyer is entitled to a return or refund under the law, you’re legally required to help process it, even if it’s not your product.

In short: You may not be the seller, but you are the gatekeeper. The law expects you to run a responsible, transparent, and fair platform. If a buyer is misled or cheated, you're on the hook.

2. If You’re an List-Based E-Commerce Business

You sell your own products or services through your own platform (website, app, social media). You’re not listing other sellers, it’s just you and your customers.

This could be anything from a fashion brand on Instagram to a local shop with its own app.

Here’s what the law expects from you:

Your Legal Duties (Section 15):

1. Clear Information on Products:
   You must provide full, honest, and easily accessible details about every product or service you offer.
2. Display Business Details:
   Your website or page must list your business name, registration info, PAN/VAT number, and contact details.
3. No Fake Reviews or Ratings:
   You (or your team) cannot pose as customers to leave fake ratings, testimonials, or feedback.
4. Truth in Advertising:
   Ads and descriptions must be truthful. No exaggerating product benefits or showing unrealistic expectations.
5. Proper Tax Records:
   You must maintain and report taxes (VAT/income tax) correctly, based on the value and nature of each sale.
6. Timely Delivery:
   Unless there's a legitimate reason (like natural disaster), you must deliver within the promised timeframe.
7. Honor Warranties:
   If you provide warranties or guarantees, you must uphold them for the full duration.
8. Easy Return/Refund if Product is Faulty or Misrepresented:
   If the customer receives a defective product or one that doesn’t match the description, you must allow refunds or replacement, and return the paid amount if required.
9. Handle IP or Legal Complaints:
   If someone raises a legal issue (like copyright, trademark, or fraud) related to your products, you are responsible for resolving it.

In short, you’re in charge of the whole chain. What’s listed, how it’s sold, how it’s delivered, and how refunds or disputes are handled. The law holds you fully accountable.

3. If You’re a Vendor/Supplier

You’re not running a platform. You just make or supply products that you sell through someone else’s online store.

For example, you could be:

• A handicraft supplier listing products on Daraz
• A bakery delivering via Foodmandu
• A local wholesaler selling through an Instagram page run by someone else

You’re a third-party seller, but you still have duties.

Legal Duties (Section 16):

1. Sign a Contract with the Platform:
   You can’t list your products on someone’s site or app without a formal agreement.
2. Submit Proper Business Documents:
   Share your registration info, PAN/VAT number, contact details, and customer complaint mechanism with the intermediary.
3. Provide Full Product Details:
   Give the platform accurate, complete product/service info for each listing.
4. Deliver On Time:
   Deliver products on time unless there’s an uncontrollable emergency.
5. Avoid Unlawful Business Practices:
   Don’t engage in shady practices, price manipulation, or selling illegal goods.
6. No Fake Feedback:
   Just like others, you’re not allowed to post reviews pretending to be a happy customer.
7. Handle Returns, Refunds & Complaints:
   If your product is defective, misrepresented, or delayed beyond reason, you must process the return or refund.

In short, you may not run the platform, but the law still sees you as part of the customer’s experience, and holds you accountable if things go wrong.

So basically,

In all cases, the law is about building trust for the buyer, the seller, and the digital economy as a whole.

So, How Do You Actually Get Your Business Listed?

Okay, you’ve understood the law, figured out what kind of e-commerce business you run, and maybe you’re thinking: Alright, what now?

It’s time to roll up your sleeves and get compliant.

If you’re an intermediary platform (like Daraz or Foodmandu) or a list-based seller (like someone selling handmade clothes via Instagram or through your own app), the law says you must complete two key steps before you can legally transact online in Nepal.

Here’s what that looks like:

Step 1: Register Your Business with OCR

Before you even think about listing yourself on the government e-commerce portal, your business needs to exist on paper.

That means registering it through the Office of the Company Registrar (OCR), Nepal’s official body for recognizing legal entities.

If you’re already operating but not formally registered, you’re not legal in the eyes of the E-Commerce Act.

So, once you’ve got your registration done through OCR, you’re halfway there.

If you’ve already registered your business, you don’t need to worry about this, you’d move straight to step 2.

Step 2: Build (or Identify) Your E-Commerce Platform

Now comes the technical part: your platform.

This is where you actually carry out your digital business. And yes, a “platform” doesn’t just mean a fancy website.

Under Section 2(k) of the E-Commerce Act, a platform can be:

• A website
• A mobile app
• A social media page (Facebook shop, TikTok, Instagram store)
• An integrated online marketplace

Basically, if you’re using any digital system to promote, sell, or manage your products or services you’re using a platform in legal terms.

What Your Platform Must Include (As Per Section 4(2))

The law doesn’t just say “have a platform”, it says what that platform must show.

Whether you're on Facebook or Shopify, your platform must display:

1. Name Of Your Platform:
   The name customers see; your brand, your storefront, your digital identity.
2. Your Business Name and Registration Details:
   This includes your business name, full address, where it was registered, and your registration number.
3. Office and Outlet Locations:
   If you’ve got branches, outlets, or warehouses, list them too.
4. Special Licenses (If Any):
   If you’re selling regulated items like liquor, meds, or financial services you need to mention your official license or approval.
5. Type of E-Commerce Business:
   Are you an intermediary or a list-based seller you need to disclose this upfront.
6. PAN or VAT Number:
   Make sure your tax registration number is clearly visible.
7. Contact Details:
   Customers should be able to reach you easily so include phone, mobile, email, and social media links.
8. Complaint Contact Info:
   List who handles customer complaints, along with their email, phone, and address.
9. DOICS Listing Number:
   Once you're listed with DOICS, don’t forget to show your official listing number on your platform.

Pro Tip:
Use a clear, user-friendly section on your platform titled “Legal Information”, “About Us”, or “Business Details” to make all this information easy to find.

Failure to include these mandatory details, and you’re risking fines, takedowns, or worse under the Act.

Step 3: Get Listed with DOICS (Department of Commerce)

Now that your business is registered with OCR and your platform is up and running, it’s time to get your e-commerce entity officially listed with the Department of Commerce, Supplies, and Consumer Protection.

This is the final regulatory stamp that tells the government:

“Yes, we’re a legitimate online business, and we’re following the law.”

Here’s the good news:
The government has officially launched a dedicated online portal for this process.
Visit: Ministry Of Industry, Commerce and Supplies

How to Get Your Business Listed on the DOICS Portal (Step-by-Step)

Thanks to the official User Manual released by the Department, the process is now much more streamlined.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Go to https://doc.gov.np/ and click on “services” section
2. Click on “Ecommerce Listing Online Service”
3. Create a new user account (you’ll need to verify via OTP on your mobile)
4. Log in and fill out the registration form
5. Upload all required documents:
   • Name and address of the business along with Business Registration Certificate
   • Notarized citizenship or Passport of the Proprietor/Partners/Directors
   • Core objective of your business
   • Tax clearance certificate of the latest fiscal year
   • Updated letter of the firm/company (latest fiscal year)
   • PAN or VAT certificate of the business
   • Platform links (e.g. website or social handles) (not mandatory)
   • Disclosure of branch offices if any, along with their location
6. Click Submit

Once submitted, your application will be reviewed by the department.
You’ll get updates via SMS, email, or your user dashboard.

If everything checks out, your business will be listed as a registered e-commerce entity in Nepal.

What Happens If You Don’t Register?

Let’s make one thing clear: This is not a “If it’s convenient to you, please do it” kind of thing. It’s mandatory and it’s very important that you comply (if you wish to keep your business afloat)

According to Sections 21–23 of the E-Commerce Act, If you continue operations without registering:

• You’re committing a legal offense
• You could face fines between Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 500,000
• In severe cases, you could even face jail time ranging from 6 months to 3 years
• Your digital platform could be delisted or blocked

So whether you’re a small business selling pickles online or a popular vendor operating through Daraz Nepal, you’re no longer under the radar.

What You Need to Do Right Now

Final Thoughts

Honestly speaking, no one likes more paperwork.

But this isn’t just red tape. This is a long-overdue effort to bring structure and trust to Nepal’s growing digital economy.

Because when everyone plays by the same rules, customers feel safer buying online, small businesses get a level playing field, and the economy gets stronger and fairer

So whether you’re a solo TikTok seller or a national-level marketplace, the message is clear:

Get compliant. Get listed. And keep selling legally and confidently.

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