The Government of Nepal has introduced a new legal framework aimed at making electronic commerce more organized, transparent, and accountable. The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies has issued the “Electronic Commerce (E-Commerce) Directive 2082,” bringing all online trading firms under mandatory regulatory jurisdiction. Approved by Industry Minister Anil Kumar Sinha under Section 37 of the Electronic Commerce Act 2081, the directive has come into immediate effect. All e-commerce entrepreneurs must now list their firms on the portal of the Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection, which is required to issue a listing number within seven days of application. Firms operating without listing may face platform cancellation if they fail to comply within the given deadline. The directive also strengthens consumer protection and data security measures. Platforms must store sensitive user information, including passwords, phone numbers, addresses, and dates of birth, in encrypted form and maintain transaction records, invoices, and complaint details for at least five years. Only digital payment gateways approved by Nepal Rastra Bank may be used, and refunds must be completed within seven days where applicable. Misleading advertisements are strictly prohibited, and all platforms must establish an online complaint mechanism to resolve issues within 15 days. Regular inspections will be conducted, with provisions to involve cybersecurity and IT experts, ensuring stronger oversight of Nepal’s growing digital marketplace.
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