The State of Kuwait issued Decree-Law No. 10 of 2026 to regulate the digital commerce sector — meaning anyone selling products or services online must be properly licensed first. This applies to social media selling, e-commerce websites, and other online storefronts.
Key points from the new law:
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Mandatory license: No person or entity can legally operate in the digital commerce space without first registering and obtaining a license from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
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Transparency requirements: Online sellers must clearly list business and product/service information on their platforms.
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Consumer protection: The law strengthens rights like returns and refunds, and sets standards for accurate pricing and product descriptions.
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Advertising oversight: Online ads and promotions must comply with transparency standards; misleading ads are prohibited.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Violating the licensing requirements under this digital commerce law can lead to:
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Fines
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Imprisonment
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Closure of online stores or platforms that operate without a license.
What This Means for Influencers & Social Sellers
Separate but related regulatory shifts are also in progress:
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Kuwait has been moving toward rules that would require social media influencers and online promoters to secure official licenses for advertising products — a step to curb misleading ads online.
Next Steps & Implementation
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The new digital commerce law will take effect as stipulated in its publication timeline ( 6 months after official gazette publication).
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The Ministry of Commerce and Industry will issue executive regulations detailing registration procedures, fees, and compliance steps.
If you’re selling online — whether through Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp, or a dedicated e-commerce site — you should prepare to register your business formally and obtain the required license before continuing operations to stay compliant with Kuwait’s new digital trade framework.
Source (s ) Arabtimes, Times Kuwait
