MYANMAR
ITA signatory?
I
II
Pillar Tariffs and trade defence measures applied on ICT goods |
Indicator Effective tariff rate on ICT goods (applied weighted average)
Effective tariff rate to ICT goods (applied weighted average)
1%
Coverage rate of zero-tariffs on ICT goods (%)
37.5%
Coverage: ICT goods
Sources
- http://wits.worldbank.org/WITS/
- https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/brief_ita_e.htm#:~:text=ITA%20participants%3A%20Australia%3B%20Bahrain%3B,%3B%20Jordan%3B%20Korea%2C%20Rep.
- https://www.wto.org/english/res_e/booksp_e/ita20years_2017_full_e.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20220120054410/https://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2016/april/tradoc_154430.pdf
- https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/inftec_e/itscheds_e.htm
NEPAL
Since March 2025
Since July 2018
Since July 2018
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Restrictions on online payments
Unified Directives Related to Payment Systems 2081 (नेपाल राष्ट्र बैंकबाट भुक्तानीसम्बन्धी कार्य गर्न अनुमतिपत्रप्राप्त संस्थाहरूलाई जारी गरिएको भुक्तानी प्रणालीसम्बन्धी एकीकृत निर्देशन – २०८१)
Nepal Rastra Bank Directive of 2018
Nepal Rastra Bank Directive of 2018
Under Directive No. 5/2081 of the Unified Directives Related to Payment Systems 2081, specific transaction limits apply to electronic transactions, including those conducted via mobile banking, internet banking, and e-wallets.
Pursuant to Sections 2–3 of the Directive on transactions conducted through mobile banking and web applications, daily transaction limits apply depending on the channel and instrument used. Transactions carried out through a mobile application, including QR-code payments, are capped at NPR 300,000 (approx. USD 2,000) per day, while transactions conducted through a web application are capped at NPR 2,000,000 (approx. USD 13,000) per day. For electronic wallets, transfers from a bank account to a wallet are limited to NPR 200,000 (approx. USD 1,300) per day and NPR 1,000,000 (approx. USD 6,600) per month. Transfers from a wallet to a bank account, including QR-code payments, are subject to the same daily and monthly caps. Wallet-to-wallet transfers are subject to lower limits of NPR 50,000 (approx. USD 330) per day and NPR 500,000 (approx. USD 3,300) per month, regardless of whether funding is derived from multiple bank accounts or wallets. In addition, a natural person’s wallet may be loaded no more than 10 times per day, and an electronic wallet may not hold an overnight balance exceeding NPR 50,000 (approx. USD 330), with any excess required to be transferred to the customer’s linked bank account.
The Nepal Rastra Bank, serving as Nepal's Central Bank, has established these ceilings on maximum daily and monthly electronic transaction amounts through various directives, starting with one issued in 2018.
Pursuant to Sections 2–3 of the Directive on transactions conducted through mobile banking and web applications, daily transaction limits apply depending on the channel and instrument used. Transactions carried out through a mobile application, including QR-code payments, are capped at NPR 300,000 (approx. USD 2,000) per day, while transactions conducted through a web application are capped at NPR 2,000,000 (approx. USD 13,000) per day. For electronic wallets, transfers from a bank account to a wallet are limited to NPR 200,000 (approx. USD 1,300) per day and NPR 1,000,000 (approx. USD 6,600) per month. Transfers from a wallet to a bank account, including QR-code payments, are subject to the same daily and monthly caps. Wallet-to-wallet transfers are subject to lower limits of NPR 50,000 (approx. USD 330) per day and NPR 500,000 (approx. USD 3,300) per month, regardless of whether funding is derived from multiple bank accounts or wallets. In addition, a natural person’s wallet may be loaded no more than 10 times per day, and an electronic wallet may not hold an overnight balance exceeding NPR 50,000 (approx. USD 330), with any excess required to be transferred to the customer’s linked bank account.
The Nepal Rastra Bank, serving as Nepal's Central Bank, has established these ceilings on maximum daily and monthly electronic transaction amounts through various directives, starting with one issued in 2018.
Coverage Electronic transactions
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20250908023310/https://www.nrb.org.np/contents/uploads/2025/03/Payment-System-related-Unified-Directives-2081-1.pdf
- http://web.archive.org/web/20241207214251/https://khatapana.com/blogs/38/unified-directives-relating-to-payments-systems-in
- https://web.archive.org/web/20241207214311/https://risingnepaldaily.com/news/22163
- https://sim.oecd.org/Simulator.ashx?lang=En&ds=DGSTRI&d1c=all&d2c=npl
- https://web.archive.org/web/20241207214415/https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/nrb-sets-limits-on-transaction-through-digital-payment-channels/
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NEPAL
N/A
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Threshold for ‘De Minimis’ rule
Lack of de minimis threshold
Nepal does not implement any de minimis threshold, which is the minimum value of goods below which customs do not charge duties.
Coverage Horizontal
NEPAL
N/A
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Restrictions on domain names
Policy for Domain Name Registration Under NP CCTLD
According to the NP CCTLD domain name registration policy, only foreign companies registered in Nepal or registered trade names (trademarks) with the government can register a '.np' domain.
Coverage Horizontal
NEPAL
Since November 2023
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Local presence requirements for digital services providers
Directives on the Operation of Social Networking, 2023 (सामाजिक सञ्जालको प्रयोगलाई व्यवस्थित गर्ने निर्देशिका, २०८०)
Under the Directives for Managing the Use of Social Networks, 2023, Nepal operates an authorisation regime based on registration for social network platform operators. Under Art. 3.1, any person, company, or institution intending to operate a social network platform must enlist the platform with the Ministry. The Ministry must issue a public notice for enlistment (Art. 3(2)), and existing platforms must enlist within 3 months of commencement (Art. 3(3)). Operators must apply using the prescribed format and supporting documents (Art. 3(4)–(6)), after which the Ministry issues an enlistment memorandum. Platforms that are not enlisted may be prohibited from operating in Nepal (Art. 3(7)).
In addition, Art. 6 requires the operator to arrange a point of contact in Nepal. Where a platform does not have an office in Nepal, it must establish an office or designate a local contact person.
Art. 2 of the Directive defines SNPs as Internet or information technology-based operating systems available to the public, such as Facebook, TikTok, Viber, Pinterest, WhatsApp, Messenger, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, WeChat, and others, that facilitate the exchange of ideas or information among individuals or organisations and enable the dissemination of user-generated content.
In addition, Art. 6 requires the operator to arrange a point of contact in Nepal. Where a platform does not have an office in Nepal, it must establish an office or designate a local contact person.
Art. 2 of the Directive defines SNPs as Internet or information technology-based operating systems available to the public, such as Facebook, TikTok, Viber, Pinterest, WhatsApp, Messenger, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, WeChat, and others, that facilitate the exchange of ideas or information among individuals or organisations and enable the dissemination of user-generated content.
Coverage Social media platforms
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20241118064041/https://giwmscdnone.gov.np/media/app/public/22/posts/1701329617_14.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20231110092433/https://kathmandupost.com/national/2023/11/10/cabinet-passes-rules-to-regulate-social-media
- https://web.archive.org/web/20251030055326/https://www.lawgandhi.com/directives-for-managing-the-use-of-social-media/
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NEPAL
Since September 2018
Since December 2006
Since December 2006
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Framework for consumer protection applicable to online commerce
Consumer Protection Act, 2075 (2018) (उपभोक्ता संरक्षण ऐन, २०७५)
Electronic Transactions Act, 2063 (2008) (विद्युतीय (इलेक्ट्रोनिक) कारोबार ऐन, २०६३)
Electronic Transactions Act, 2063 (2008) (विद्युतीय (इलेक्ट्रोनिक) कारोबार ऐन, २०६३)
The Consumer Protection Act and the Electronic Transactions Act provide a comprehensive framework for consumer protection that also applies to online transactions. The Law on Electronic Transactions regulates electronic communications and records and establishes legal provisions for authenticating and regulating electronic data. It also establishes a secure, authentic method of electronic communication while addressing regulatory issues related to electronic transactions.
Coverage Horizontal
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20221008215140/https://www.lawcommission.gov.np/en/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/The-Consumer-Protection-Act-2075-2018.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20241115163953/https://www.ilo.org/sites/default/files/wcmsp5/groups/public/@asia/@ro-bangkok/@sro-new_delhi/documents/genericdocument/wcms_300688.pdf
NEPAL
N/A
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Ratification of the UN Convention on the Use of Electronic Communications in International Contracts
Lack of signature of the UN Convention on the Use of Electronic Communications in International Contracts
Nepal has not signed the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Use of Electronic Communications in International Contracts.
Coverage Horizontal
NEPAL
N/A
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Commerce
Lack of adoption of UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Commerce
Nepal has not adopted national legislation based on or influenced by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Model Law on Electronic Commerce.
Coverage Horizontal
NEPAL
N/A
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Signatures
Lack of adoption of UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Signatures
Nepal has not adopted national legislation based on or influenced by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Model Law on Electronic Signatures.
Coverage Horizontal
NEPAL
Since March 2021
Pillar Online sales and transactions |
Indicator Restrictions on online payments
Forex Circular No. 10/2077-78
In March 2021, Nepal’s central bank, the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), issued Forex Circular No. 10/2077-78 (dated 2077/12/08), amending the Unified Foreign Exchange Circular–2076 by introducing a new Clause 7 on foreign-currency prepaid cards for online purchases from abroad. This reform enabled licensed Class “A” commercial banks and national-level Class “B” development banks to issue foreign-currency prepaid cards, thereby opening access to international online payments that had previously been infeasible with cards issued by Nepali banks.
Clause 7 authorises the use of these cards for the purchase of goods and services online from overseas, but imposes an annual cap of USD 500 (or the equivalent in convertible currency). In practice, this cap limits the value of cross-border e-commerce transactions that individuals can conduct each year using such cards. This rule was subsequently incorporated into the Nepal Rastra Bank’s consolidated foreign-exchange unified circular framework, including Unified Circular-2079 (2022), which tightened the use of these USD 500 prepaid cards by restricting payments for specified merchant category codes, and later the Revised Unified Circular-2023.
Clause 7 authorises the use of these cards for the purchase of goods and services online from overseas, but imposes an annual cap of USD 500 (or the equivalent in convertible currency). In practice, this cap limits the value of cross-border e-commerce transactions that individuals can conduct each year using such cards. This rule was subsequently incorporated into the Nepal Rastra Bank’s consolidated foreign-exchange unified circular framework, including Unified Circular-2079 (2022), which tightened the use of these USD 500 prepaid cards by restricting payments for specified merchant category codes, and later the Revised Unified Circular-2023.
Coverage Horizontal
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20250908025042/https://www.nrb.org.np/contents/uploads/2021/03/Prepaid-card.pdf?fbclid=IwAR1KpibuHVTPV6vdjhDamwuXsXDfkGdjGz5IMI1bnA-Pxu3g-xsqirQWhiw
- https://web.archive.org/web/20260115015251/https://www.nrb.org.np/contents/uploads/2022/08/FXMD-05-2079-80-MCC.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20260422154851/https://www.nrb.org.np/contents/uploads/2026/03/Report_2025-BOK-KPP-Nepal.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20260310024628/https://english.onlinekhabar.com/nepali-banks-can-issue-prepaid-dollar-cards-now-here-are-basics-you-need-to-know-about.html
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NEPAL
Since March 2017, last amended in February 2018
Pillar Content access |
Indicator Licensing schemes for digital services and applications
Online Media Operation Directive, 2073 (अनलाइन सञ्चारमाध्यम सञ्चालन निर्देशिका, २०७३)
According to Section 3 of the Online Media Operation Directive, online news companies are required to be registered with the Department of Information and Broadcasting to operate.
Coverage Online news
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20221224185143/https://research.butmedia.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/OnlineDirective2073.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20260422154448/https://digitalrightsnepal.org/newsletter/digital-rights-weekly-year-4-issue-45/
- https://web.archive.org/web/20251205123448/https://kathmandupost.com/national/2025/08/07/amendment-to-media-law-raises-a-host-of-questions
- https://web.archive.org/web/20241207190423/https://doib.gov.np/content/585/585-online-media-operation-direc/
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NEPAL
Since June 1995, as amended in March 2022
Pillar Content access |
Indicator Licensing schemes for digital services and applications
National Broadcasting Regulation, 2052 (राष्ट्रिय प्रसारण नियमावली, २०५२)
The National Broadcasting Regulation was amended in 2022 to incorporate Over-the-Top (OTT) services and internet television within the definition of "other means of communications." With this inclusion, the amended Regulation mandates that OTT and internet television providers obtain licences to operate their services in Nepal. The term "OTT" refers to the broadcasting of content on demand via the internet, encompassing media streaming services delivered through various platforms that utilise internet connectivity. In addition, "internet television" is defined as the regular transmission of self-produced audiovisual programmes via the internet.
Coverage Over-the-top and internet television providers
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20241210173000/https://doib.gov.np/content/8867/8867-national-broadcasting-elevent/
- https://web.archive.org/web/20241210181618/https://english.onlinekhabar.com/amendment-national-broadcasting-rules.html
- https://web.archive.org/web/20241210161707/https://pradhanlaw.com/publications/amendment-to-the-national-broadcasting-rules-2052-1995-ad
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NEPAL
Since March 2023
Pillar Content access |
Indicator Licensing schemes for digital services and applications
IoT/ M2M Regulatory Framework, 2079
The Internet of Things/Machine-to-Machine Communication (IoT/M2M) Regulatory Framework, 2079, establishes a licensing and authorisation regime in Nepal for specific categories of IoT services. Under Art. 5.3(a), outdoor IoT/M2M services, defined in Art. 3.1(b) as services connected to the internet or a corporate intranet, are treated as value-added services (VAS) and therefore require an authorisation from the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA). The Framework also provides, in Art. 5.4(a)–(c), for a separate special authorisation for IoT/M2M research and development (R&D) activities, limited to non-commercial purposes and granted for a limited period.
Art. 5.2(a) expressly states that indoor/private IoT/M2M services do not require a licence or authorisation. The Framework further indicates that licensed telecommunications operators do not need a separate licence to build and operate IoT/M2M networks. However, if they intend to act as IoT/M2M network providers for end users, they must obtain the Authority’s approval under Art. 5.1(b).
Art. 5.2(a) expressly states that indoor/private IoT/M2M services do not require a licence or authorisation. The Framework further indicates that licensed telecommunications operators do not need a separate licence to build and operate IoT/M2M networks. However, if they intend to act as IoT/M2M network providers for end users, they must obtain the Authority’s approval under Art. 5.1(b).
Coverage IoT services
NEPAL
Since January 2025
Pillar Content access |
Indicator Licensing schemes for digital services and applications
Data Center and Cloud Service (Operation and Management) Directives, 2081 (2025)
Pursuant to Art. 3 of the Data Center and Cloud Service (Operation and Management) Directives, data centre operators and cloud service providers must be listed with the Department of Information Technology before providing services. Any organisation intending to operate a data centre or provide cloud services must submit an application in the format prescribed by the Department. Existing data centre operators at the time the Directive enters into force must apply for mandatory registration in accordance with subsection (2), and existing cloud service providers must apply in accordance with subsection (3), in both cases within six months of commencement and accompanied by the documents specified in the relevant subsection.
Coverage Data centers and cloud services
NEPAL
Since November 2023
Pillar Content access |
Indicator Licensing schemes for digital services and applications
Directives on the Operation of Social Networking, 2023 (सामाजिक सञ्जालको प्रयोगलाई व्यवस्थित गर्ने निर्देशिका, २०८०)
Under the Directives for Managing the Use of Social Networks, 2023, Nepal operates an authorisation regime based on registration for social network platform operators. Under Art. 3.1, any person, company, or institution intending to operate a social network platform must enlist the platform with the Ministry. The Ministry must issue a public notice for enlistment (Art. 3(2)), and existing platforms must enlist within 3 months of commencement (Art. 3(3)). Operators must apply using the prescribed format and supporting documents (Art. 3(4)–(6)), after which the Ministry issues an enlistment memorandum. Platforms that are not enlisted may be prohibited from operating in Nepal (Art. 3(7)).
In addition, Art. 6 requires the operator to arrange a point of contact in Nepal. Where a platform does not have an office in Nepal, it must establish an office or designate a local contact person.
Art. 2 of the Directive defines SNPs as Internet or information technology-based operating systems available to the public, such as Facebook, TikTok, Viber, Pinterest, WhatsApp, Messenger, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, WeChat, and others, that facilitate the exchange of ideas or information among individuals or organisations and enable the dissemination of user-generated content.
In addition, Art. 6 requires the operator to arrange a point of contact in Nepal. Where a platform does not have an office in Nepal, it must establish an office or designate a local contact person.
Art. 2 of the Directive defines SNPs as Internet or information technology-based operating systems available to the public, such as Facebook, TikTok, Viber, Pinterest, WhatsApp, Messenger, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, WeChat, and others, that facilitate the exchange of ideas or information among individuals or organisations and enable the dissemination of user-generated content.
Coverage Social media platforms
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20241118064041/https://giwmscdnone.gov.np/media/app/public/22/posts/1701329617_14.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20231110092433/https://kathmandupost.com/national/2023/11/10/cabinet-passes-rules-to-regulate-social-media
- https://web.archive.org/web/20251030055326/https://www.lawgandhi.com/directives-for-managing-the-use-of-social-media/
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