Qatar Introduces New Licensing Requirements for E- Commerce Activities

The Minister of Commerce and Industry has issued Decision No. 25 of 2026, establishing the conditions and limitations governing the conduct of commercial activities through websites where such activities do not require a physical storefront (“Decision”).

Under the Decision, a license to conduct e-commerce activities may be obtained, provided that the prescribed requirements are satisfied.

The specific commercial activities permitted to be carried out through e-commerce will be determined based on a list proposed by the competent department of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (“MoCI”), subject to the approval of the relevant authorities responsible for regulating the nature of such activities and the Minister’s final approval. The approved list will be published on the MoCI’s official website.

Key Definitions

For the purposes of the Decision, a “website” is defined broadly as any system or technology that relies on technological tools to facilitate communications or transactions between parties, including electronic means and social media platforms.

In this context, “e-commerce” refers to the sale and purchase of goods or the provision of services through such websites, and “commercial activity” means any activity that may be conducted through websites in accordance with an e-commerce license.

Licensing Requirements

The commercial activities may not be conducted online unless an e-commerce license is first obtained from the competent department of the MoCI and the applicable fees are duly paid.

To obtain an e-commerce license, applicants must comply with the following conditions:

• Commercial Registration – The applicant must be registered with the commercial registry of the MoCI.
• Identification of Activity – The applicant must specify the commercial activity that will be conducted online.
• Regulatory Approvals – Where applicable, the applicant must obtain any relevant licenses or approvals required for the specified commercial activity.
• Website Disclosure – The application must identify the website through which the commercial activity will be conducted.

Where a business intends to conduct commercial activities through multiple websites, a separate license must be obtained for each website. In addition, the MoCI must grant approval to any changes to the e-commerce license.

Consumer Protection Obligations

The Decision emphasises that consumer protection requirements apply equally to online commercial activities. Once approval is granted, license holders must:

• Ensure that the website provides electronic payment options to customers.
• Clearly display the following information on the website:
• commercial registration number and e-commerce license number;
• customer service contact details, including telephone number and email address;
• details of the products and services offered, including the return and exchange policy; and
• procedures implemented to protect customers’ rights and mechanisms for submitting complaints or claims.

Scope of Application

The Decision does not apply to transactions conducted through websites involving the sale of products or services for personal use, provided that such transactions do not involve commercial quantities.

Regulatory Scope and Applicability

The Decision appears to apply primarily to entities registered with the MoCI, as it requires applicants to hold a commercial registration issued by the MoCI. Accordingly, businesses established under alternative regulatory regimes (such as the Qatar Financial Centre or other free zones) may fall outside the direct scope of the Decision; however, this position should be assessed on a case-by-case basis depending on the nature of the activities conducted and the manner in which they are offered within the State of Qatar.

How We Can Assist

In light of the above, businesses operating through digital channels are encouraged to undertake a careful review of their current structures, licensing position, and operational model to determine the extent of their exposure under the Decision.

Al Tamimi & Company is well placed to assist with assessing the applicability of the Decision, advising on the appropriate licensing strategy, liaising with the relevant authorities, and supporting clients in obtaining the required approvals and ensuring ongoing compliance with the applicable regulatory framework.