What Online Businesses Must Do Under the New Regime
This article translates Decree-Law No. 10 of 2026 into practical steps that any online business in Kuwait can follow.
Requirements by Business Type
Online Store (Website / App)
| Requirement | Priority | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial registration | High | Business must be registered with MOCI |
| Seller identity page | High | Name, address, contact, registration number |
| Clear policies | High | Returns, shipping, privacy, terms |
| Electronic invoices | Medium | Issue an invoice for every purchase |
| Data protection | Medium | Secure storage of customer data |
| Customer service | Medium | Clear channel for receiving complaints |
Social Media Seller
| Requirement | Priority | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial registration | High | If activity is regular and continuous |
| Clear identity | High | Your name or business name in bio |
| Return policy | High | Even in a highlight or bio link |
| Accurate descriptions | High | Don't describe what the product isn't |
| Ad disclosure | High | If promoting a product for pay |
| Documentation | Medium | Keep records of your transactions |
Digital Service Provider
| Requirement | Priority | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Clear service contract | High | Defines scope, duration, price |
| Privacy policy | High | Especially if handling customer data |
| Invoices | Medium | For every service provided |
| Company profile | Medium | Clear information about the company |
Practical Steps — Do This Week
Week 1: Foundation
- ✅ Ensure your commercial registration is valid
- ✅ Add all identification information to your store/account
- ✅ Create a written return and exchange policy
Week 2: Policies
- ✅ Create/update privacy policy
- ✅ Create/update terms and conditions
- ✅ Create/update shipping and delivery policy
Week 3: Content
- ✅ Review all product descriptions — are they accurate?
- ✅ Review all photos — do they represent the actual product?
- ✅ Review pricing — is it inclusive and transparent?
Week 4: Operations
- ✅ Create a mechanism for receiving and responding to complaints
- ✅ Organize your financial records
- ✅ Train your team on the new requirements
Top 10 Most Common Mistakes
| # | Mistake | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | No commercial registration | Register your business with MOCI |
| 2 | No return policy | Create a clear policy and publish it |
| 3 | Non-inclusive pricing | Add all fees to the advertised price |
| 4 | Misleading photos | Use real product photos |
| 5 | Not responding to complaints | Create a complaint tracking system |
| 6 | Not issuing invoices | Use an electronic invoicing system |
| 7 | Exaggerated ads | Review every marketing claim |
| 8 | Not protecting customer data | Use secure storage |
| 9 | No terms and conditions | Create a terms page |
| 10 | Ignoring legal updates | Follow MOCI news |
Sample Short Return Policy
Use this as a base and modify for your business:
Return and Exchange Policy
- Buyers may return products within [7/14] days of receipt
- Products must be in original condition with packaging
- [Buyer/Seller] bears return shipping costs
- Refunds processed within [7] business days of receiving the return
- Excluded products: [specify non-returnable products]
Useful Resources
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Ministry of Commerce and Industry | moci.gov.kw |
| Communication & IT Regulatory Authority (CITRA) | citra.gov.kw |
| Kuwait eGovernment Portal | e.gov.kw |
Legal note: These are general guidelines for educational purposes. Since the new regulatory framework is still in its early stages, follow official MOCI updates.
Also read: Compliance Checklist | Law's Impact on Stores
