Last Updated on February 18, 2026
The government has released the Electronic Commerce Directive, 2082, on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 after its draft was published on Tuesday, January 06, 2026. The directive aims at making eCommerce fair, healthy, transparent, and consumer-friendly. Notably, it makes provision for mandatory registration at the department’s portal, compulsory use of a digital payment gateway, and arrangements for customer grievances, etc.
The directive has been designed in accordance with the rights granted in Section 37 of the Electronic Commerce (E-Commerce) Act, 2081, and aims to bring online shopping within the legal premises. You get all the key details from the directive.
Also, check out: Best Method Of Shopping: Traditional Or Online?
Key highlights in the Electronic Commerce Directive 2082
Here are the most notable provisions quoted in the eCommerce Directive 2082:
- Every individual or group running an eCommerce must register the business at the official portal of the Department of Commerce, Supplies & Consumer Protection
- Online shopping platforms must keep their customer data encrypted to keep it from misuse
- Additional fees other than the price of the goods or services and shipping costs, and misleading advertising are prohibited.
- Platforms must refund the customers if the payment fails within seven days
- Invoices must be mandatorily issued electronically after payment for goods and services
- If an eCommerce is running unregistered and won’t come for registration in seven days, it could be terminated
- The department proposes to deploy an inspection officer for regular monitoring of businesses
- Platforms must develop an online system to receive and address customer grievances
- If a dispute cannot be resolved at the business level, mediation will be conducted through the E-Commerce Dispute Resolution Committee
NOTE: For the existing eCommerce platforms, a provision is made to register at the department’s portal within 35 days after its coming into operation.
The government aims to make eCommerce a well-regulated sector, enhance its productivity, contributions, and promote transparency.
