Online sellers in Nepal need a real website in 2026
The Electronic Commerce Act, 2081 (2025) and the E-commerce Directive 2026 ask businesses that sell through websites, apps, or social media to register and run a clear electronic platform — not only a Facebook inbox.
This page is a practical summary for shop owners, not legal advice. Confirm listing steps on the Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection (DoCSCP) portal and with your accountant.
What changed
Selling on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or WhatsApp still counts as e-commerce when you take orders or payments.
The law expects an identifiable electronic platform, business details, and listing with the department.
The 2026 directive also talks about domain/hosting records, privacy policy, and Nepal Rastra Bank–approved digital payments.
Unregistered online selling has been treated as non-compliant, with fines reported up to Rs. 200,000 in public notices.
What to show on your website
Business name, legal address, and contact person
PAN / VAT where applicable
Catalog, prices, invoices, and refund/exchange policy
How customers pay (eSewa, Khalti, bank, COD — as you actually use)
Space to display your government listing number once issued
How SaralNova helps without a developer bill
Website development is free — publish from the app in minutes
Policy and about pages, orders, and invoices built in
NCM delivery for nationwide parcels
Keep social selling; use the website as the official shop
