Log in or register
Share on LinkedInShare on LinkedIn

ARTICLE · 20 MARCH 2026

Qatar Introduces Licensing Framework For E-Commerce Activities Without A Physical Premises

Crowell & Moring LLP
Crowell & Moring LLP
Contributor
Crowell & Moring LLP

Crowell & Moring LLP

Crowell & Moring’s Doha office is a full service legal practice that serves as the firm’s regional...

View firm profile
Explore more from Crowell & Moring LLP

On 4 March 2026, Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry issued Ministerial Decision No. (25) of 2026 (Decision), establishing a regulatory framework for conducting commercial activities through electronic platforms that do not require a physical premises in Qatar.

QatarCorporate/Commercial Law
Charbel M. Maakaron
Charbel M. Maakaron
Michael Palmer
Michael Palmer
Ahmad El Lakkis
Ahmad El Lakkis

1. Executive Summary

On 4 March 2026, Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) issued Ministerial Decision No. (25) of 2026 (Decision), establishing a regulatory framework (Framework) for conducting commercial activities through electronic platforms that do not require a physical premises in Qatar. The Decision was published in the Official Gazette on 15 March 2026 and entered into force on 16 March 2026.

The Decision introduces a mandatory e-commerce licensing regime for certain businesses operating through websites, digital platforms, or social media channels. It also establishes consumer disclosure and operational compliance requirements aimed at enhancing transparency and consumer protection in Qatar’s digital marketplace.

We operate a free-to-view policy, asking only that you register in order to read all of our content. Please login or register to view the rest of this article.

Register for freeORLog in

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

View source

Related Articles

Legal Intelligence Newsletters: sign up for the latest legal and regulatory news on your chosen topics

Read more about

Related Comparative Guides

See more popular content from

Article

Qatar Ministry Of Commerce And Industry Commences Phased Update Of Commercial Activity Classifications

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (“MoCI“) has commenced a phased update of the commercial activity classifications recorded for existing companies in Qatar. The initiative, which took effect on June 1, 2026, forms part of the MoCI’s efforts to align Qatar’s commercial registration framework with the Unified Economic Guide for the Classification of Economic Activities adopted across the Gulf Cooperation Council (“GCC“) member states.
QatarCorporate/Commercial Law
Sultan Al-Abdulla & Partners
Sultan Al-Abdulla & Partners
Article

Qatar Launches Companies House To Unify Company Registration And Licensing Across Economic Zones

Qatar's Ministry of Commerce and Industry has established Companies House, a unified entity consolidating company registration and licensing across the country's major economic zones. This centralisation brings together functions previously handled separately by the QFC, QFZA, QSTP, and Media City Qatar, creating a single point of contact for incorporation, licensing, tax, immigration, and compliance matters.
QatarCorporate/Commercial Law
Sultan Al-Abdulla & Partners
Sultan Al-Abdulla & Partners
Article

SBA Extends Deadline For Comments On Historic Overhaul Of Size Standards

The Small Business Administration has extended the comment period for two proposed rules that could dramatically reshape federal government contracting by significantly expanding the pool of entities eligible for small business set-aside procurements. With some size standard thresholds proposed to increase as much as tenfold, these changes would fundamentally alter the makeup of the small business contractor base.
United StatesGovernment, Public Sector
Crowell & Moring LLP
Crowell & Moring LLP
Article

The Lindsey Graham Sanctions Act: What Businesses Need To Know About The New Tariffs

President Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act into law on September 18, 2026, establishing mandatory tariffs of up to 500% on Russian goods and up to 100% on goods from countries that continue to buy Russian energy. The Act targets major importers like China, India, and Turkey, with limited relief mechanisms including natural gas exceptions, presidential waivers, and a 270-day winddown period for entities divesting from Russian operations.
GlobalInternational Law
Crowell & Moring LLP
Crowell & Moring LLP
Article

DOT Final Rule Narrows Airline Delay And Cancellation Reporting Obligation Under FAA Reauthorization Act Of 2024

The U.S. Department of Transportation has issued a final rule fundamentally restructuring how airlines report flight delays and cancellations, creating a new reporting category that removes ten specific events from the traditional "Air Carrier" category. This regulatory change, mandated by the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 and effective October 2026, will significantly impact how airline performance is measured and perceived by consumers, while reducing carriers' customer service obligations for certain
United StatesTransport
Crowell & Moring LLP
Crowell & Moring LLP
Article

U.S.-China Trade Truce Extended Two Months: BIS Affiliates Rule Suspension Follows

The U.S.-China trade truce has been extended through January 10, 2027, pushing back the effective date of the Bureau of Industry and Security's Affiliates Rule. While the suspension delays immediate compliance obligations, the rule remains in place and companies should use this additional time to prepare their compliance programs before the suspension potentially expires.
GlobalInternational Law
Crowell & Moring LLP
Crowell & Moring LLP
Article

EU Steel Overcapacity Regulation: New Permanent Measure In Force From 1 July 2026

The European Union has replaced its expiring steel safeguard measures with a permanent Steel Overcapacity Regulation, cutting duty-free steel imports by an average of 47% and raising the out-of-quota tariff from 25% to 50%. The new framework introduces a complex tariff-rate quota system distributed across 26 product categories, with country-specific allocations based on historical import shares and special treatment for FTA partners. A groundbreaking "melt and pour" traceability requirement will gradually s
European UnionInternational Law
Crowell & Moring LLP
Crowell & Moring LLP
Article

CBP Issues Notice Of Rulemaking On Executive Order 14411, “Strengthening Customs Enforcement”

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is considering sweeping regulatory changes that would require importers to provide unprecedented visibility into their supply chains, including foreign export documentation, global business identifiers, and AI-driven tracing technologies. These proposed amendments stem from Executive Order 14411 and could fundamentally reshape compliance obligations for companies importing goods into the United States. CBP is seeking public comment on 64 questions by December 1, 2026, offe
United StatesInternational Law
Crowell & Moring LLP
Crowell & Moring LLP
Article

It’s LIVE: The Cyber Resilience Act Reporting Is Mandatory as of Today - 11 September 2026

Manufacturers of connected products must now comply with the EU Cyber Resilience Act's vulnerability and incident reporting obligations through ENISA's newly launched Single Reporting Platform. This comprehensive guide addresses the critical question every manufacturer faces: can your organization report a cybersecurity incident within 24 hours if one occurs tonight?
European UnionCorporate/Commercial Law
Crowell & Moring LLP
Crowell & Moring LLP