E-commerce Company Registration in Nepal

This article will guide you through the process of registering an e-commerce company in Nepal, covering everything from the basics to specific requirements as per the new 2025 Act. The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection has also introduced new regulations for Listing of E-Commerce Businesses on 18th of Ashad 2082.

What is an E-commerce Business?

An e-commerce Business is a business that conducts its buying and selling activities primarily through electronic channels, especially the internet. These companies operate virtual storefronts, allowing customers to browse, select, and purchase products or services online.

Please find the DOCSCP Guidelines here:

Key features of e-commerce businesses include:

• Online product catalogs
• Shopping cart systems
• Secure payment gateways
• Digital marketing strategies
• Customer relationship management tools
• Logistics and delivery services

E-commerce businesses can operate in various models, such as Business-to-Consumer (B2C), Business-to-Business (B2B), Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C), or a combination of these. In Nepal, e-commerce companies are transforming the retail landscape, offering convenience and access to a wide range of products to consumers across the country.

Company Registration in Nepal

Where to Register an E-commerce Company in Nepal?

In Nepal, e-commerce companies are primarily registered with the Office of Company Registrar (“OCR”) and the Department of Commerce, Supplies & Consumer Protection (“DOCSCP”)which falls under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies. To be listed in the Department, the business must be registered as either of the follows:

1. Office of Company Registrar (OCR) as a Pvt. Ltd. Company
2. DOCSCP as a Private Individual-Owned Firm
3. DOCSCP as a Private Jointly-Owned Firm

What is the Process of Registering an E-commerce Company in Nepal?

• Step 1: Registration of Company at OCR
• Step 2: Tax Registration at Inland Revenue Department
• Step 3: Business Registration at Local Ward Office
• Step 4: Registration of Business at Department of Commerce (DOCSCP)
• Step 5: Listing of Business at DOSCSP as per E-Commerce Act

Step 1: Registration of Company at OCR

Register your company with the Office of Company Registrar (OCR) to obtain legal identity, registration certificate, and company number required to conduct business activities officially in Nepal.

Step 2: Tax Registration at Inland Revenue Department

After company registration, apply at the Inland Revenue Department to receive a PAN or VAT number. This allows you to legally pay taxes and issue tax invoices.

Step 3: Business Registration at Local Ward Office

Register your business with the local ward office to receive a business operation permit, verify business location, and comply with local government requirements for smooth and legal functioning.

Step 4: Registration of Business at Department of Commerce (DOCSCP)

Submit your documents at the Department of Commerce to receive a business registration certificate required for commercial trade, export-import, and national-level operations under commerce-related legal provisions.

Step 5: Listing of Business at DOSCSP as per E-Commerce Act

List your e-commerce business with DOSCSP to follow the E-Commerce Act. This ensures regulatory compliance, consumer protection, and lawful digital transactions in Nepal’s online marketplace.

This process typically takes 7-15 working days, depending on the completeness of your application and the current workload of the OCR. It’s crucial to ensure all documents are accurate and complete to avoid delays in the registration process.

What Documents are Required for Listing as an E-Commerce Business?

The Required Documents for Listing as an E-Commerce Business are:

1. Registration certificate of the business (either as a private company or a private firm)
2. Name and profile of the directors of the e-commerce business
3. Objectives and profile of the e-commerce business
4. PAN/VAT number of the e-commerce business along with the registration certificate
5. Relevant registration documents of the business
6. Telephone number, email, social media links, and contact address of the business
7. Number of branches/outlets of the business along with their locations
8. Any additional information mentioned on the portal

What details are required to be displayed on a business’s e-commerce platform?

The Details/Information to be displayed on the E-Commerce Platform are:

1. Name of the e-commerce platform
2. Name, location, registration number, and name of the government entity where the platform is registered
3. Registered address, head office, outlets, branches, and their details
4. Information on any additional licenses obtained (e.g., DFTQC)
5. VAT or PAN registration number
6. Customer support email, telephone, and mobile number
7. Business email, telephone, mobile number, telefax, and social media links
8. Grievance handling officer’s name, email, telephone or mobile number, and official address
9. Listing number of the e-commerce portal

How Long Does it Take to get Listed as an E-Commerce Business

The timeline for being listed as an e-commerce company in Nepal can vary depending on several factors but the following timeline can be referred upon:

Procedure	Estimated Time
Registration of Company	3–5 Days
Registration at Tax Office	1 Day
Registration at Ward Office	1 Day
Obtaining Share Registry	3–5 Days
Registration at DOCSCP	1 Day
Listing as E-Commerce Business	1–2 Days

Total estimated time: 10-15 Days

What is the Cost of Registering an E-commerce Business in Nepal?

The cost of registering an e-commerce business in Nepal consists of various fees and charges.

Particulars	Fees / Charges
Government Fees at OCR	Starts from NPR 1,000
Government Fees at Local Ward Office	Starts from NPR 5,000
Government Fees at Department of Commerce	Starts from NPR 1,000
Service Charge for Consultants	Depends

Contact us via Whatsapp/Cell at +977 9709090127 to receive Fee Quotation to register/list E-Commerce Business

What are the Post-Registration Requirements for an E-commerce Business?

After successfully registering your e-commerce company in Nepal, there are several important post-registration requirements to fulfill:

1. Annual Compliance/AGM at the Office of Company Registrar
2. Submission of Audit Report (for a Pvt. Ltd. Entity) along with Relevant Filings
3. Monthly or Quarterly VAT Filings (if registered on VAT)
4. Renewal at the Department of Commerce
5. Renewal at Local Ward Office.

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