E-commerce businesses or online shops without an electronic medium that have been carrying out their business via social media (like Facebook and Instagram) could now be subjected to government litigation in Nepal.
Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies, Government of Nepal has recently issued a bill draft regarding the same while asked stakeholders for opinions and recommendations to make arrangements for e-commerce.
Once the bill gets passed, e-commerce business or online shops in Nepal must be registered at the Office of Company Registrar as per Company Act 2063 while mandatorily be listed in the Department of Commerce, Supplies, and Consumer Protection. Moreover, it must have a Secure Socket Layer (SSL) certified electronic medium, essentially a website, from which consumers would be able to make informed decisions prior to purchase at will.
As for the website, it must showcase the business’ name, address, registration certificate, permanent account number (PAN), value-added tax (VAT) registration number, email, telephone, fax, contact number, and customer care details. Similarly, it must clearly mention all products and corresponding prices including VAT, delivery time, and warranty/guarantee.
Any e-business that fails to fulfill all the above criteria will be fined up to Rs. 1 lakh.
