Businesses without a Website Can Now Register Social Media Platforms for E-Commerce

Kathmandu: The government has clarified that businesses trading goods and services via social media are not required to have a website to be listed as an e-commerce entity. According to the Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection, individuals and organizations can now register their Facebook pages, Instagram accounts, TikTok profiles, or WhatsApp channels as official business platforms.

This move aims to bring social media-based businesses under legal regulation as their numbers continue to grow. Bharat Prasad Acharya, Director at the Department, said the government is working to adapt to the evolving nature of commerce driven by technology. However, these social media platforms must clearly display the company’s name, registration number, address, PAN number, contact person, and phone number.

“In international practice, businesses usually create a dedicated website or platform to operate in a systematic way,” Director Acharya told TechPana. “But we’ve accepted the reality that many in Nepal are conducting business through social media.”

According to him, new entrepreneurs are no longer required to create a website. “What matters is that the business is registered,” he said. “Once registered with the Department of Commerce, the Office of the Company Registrar, or the local government, and after obtaining a PAN number, business owners can submit their social media links, such as Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, to the Department for e-commerce listing.”

The Department had previously set a deadline of July 19 for existing businesses to register for e-commerce. However, many have yet to do so. Acharya admitted there’s currently no clear legal procedure for dealing with those who missed the deadline.

“Ignorance of the law is no excuse, but we’re discussing how to handle cases where entrepreneurs missed the deadline due to lack of awareness or other reasons but now want to register voluntarily,” he said. “A decision will be made soon, either to impose a fine or introduce another process.”

Under the new notice, all businesses must first register with the relevant authority, then list their online platforms, including social media accounts, with the Department before starting operations. Acharya said the goal is to curb unregistered online businesses and ensure all e-commerce activities fall within the legal and tax framework.

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