Kathmandu, Jan. 10 -- The Ministry of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection can now enforce ICT minimum standards on business platforms under the E-commerce Guidelines, 2026, which came into effect this week, strengthening the state's role in protecting consumers, the economy and digital institutions.

The guidelines have been enacted pursuant to the E-commerce Act, 2025, which came into force in April last year. Under the new provisions, all business platforms must be audited and certified by the Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection based on prescribed standards.

The law applies to all forms of sales, including transactions conducted through social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and WhatsApp...