Trade Rules 2023: Penalties for Running Online Shops Without License

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The Department of Trade under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment has once again reminded the public that operating online businesses without a valid trade license is illegal.

In a public notification issued today, the Department warned that despite repeated announcements since September 2022, a number of individuals continue to run online businesses without securing the required licenses.

The Department stressed that a valid business license is mandatory for all business activities, including digital and online platforms. Officials highlighted that securing a license is not just about meeting legal obligations but also about ensuring trust, legitimacy, and protection for both entrepreneurs and consumers in Bhutan.

“A valid license provides protection for both business operators and consumers. It is essential that everyone intending to do business, whether physical or online, complies with the Trade and Industry Rules 2023,” the notification stated.

To make the process easier, the Department has urged aspiring and current entrepreneurs to obtain licenses either through the Regional Offices of Industry, Commerce and Employment or through the online licensing platform (ibls.systems.gov.bt).

The notification clearly warns that individuals who fail to comply will face penalties and fines as outlined in the Trade and Industry Rules 2023.

With online commerce growing rapidly across Bhutan, the government is stepping up efforts to regulate the digital marketplace and ensure it remains fair, transparent, and safe for all stakeholders.

This latest move is expected to bring greater accountability to Bhutan’s e-commerce sector, which has seen a surge in small-scale sellers, social media-based shops, and online service providers in recent years.

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