Industry Ministry tightens rules to enhance e-commerce trustworthiness and create fairer playing field for businesses

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain’s e-commerce sector is taking a step forward as the Ministry of Industry and Commerce sharpens rules to ensure online businesses meet their legal obligations.

Commercial registration (CR) holders running eMarketplaces, websites, or web portals under ISIC4 Code 6312 are now required to update their ‘eStore/ eMarketplace Address’ in the Sijilat System at www.Sijilat.bh.

Businesses failing to comply risk facing violations, the ministry has warned.

The Ministry described the move as part of a broader effort to strengthen consumer trust and create a fair playing field for businesses.

Adding to this effort, the Ministry has introduced the eCommerce Seal (eFada), a free certification system aimed at confirming the legitimacy of e-commerce websites.

His Excellency, Abdullah bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, launched the system during an event at Bahrain Financial Harbour’s Bourse Hall, describing it as a tool to help build trust between businesses and their customers.

“Every online business in Bahrain should operate with a licence, and eFada ensures that consumers know which businesses are legitimate,” he said. “This simple and free service offers businesses a way to strengthen their reputation, and our IT team is ready to lend a hand with the process.”

Maram Al Mahmeed, who heads the Information Systems Directorate, said the initiative is designed to make e-commerce more trustworthy.

“The eFada seal is about giving people assurance when shopping online,” she said. “It encourages more businesses to embrace e-commerce, while customers can feel confident that they’re buying from legitimate sellers.”

The Ministry said eFada forms part of its broader strategy to grow Bahrain’s digital economy, encouraging electronic transactions while ensuring fairness and reliability for everyone involved.

Meanwhile, the Ministry has also addressed misunderstandings surrounding its rules for virtual commercial registrations.

It made clear that the updated framework applies only to virtual businesses, not family-run enterprises, which are managed by the Ministry of Social Development.

The updated rules allow virtual businesses to sell 71 products and services online, including textiles, clothing, antiques, software, and management consulting, while restricting the sale of 12 categories such as food, tobacco, medical products, and heavy machinery.

To apply for a virtual commercial registration, applicants must be Bahraini citizens, operate as sole proprietors, and provide a permanent correspondence address.

Those involved in food preparation, such as chefs, must also follow strict hygiene standards, ensure food safety, and display their commercial registration number on their platform.

The Ministry has also scrapped three older decisions on virtual registrations, clearing the way for the updated rules.

This includes Decision No. (152) of 2016, which authorised virtual businesses, and Decisions No. (11) and (12) of 2021, which governed specific activities like online sales and ‘chef’ services.

Businesses interested in applying for the eFada seal or ensuring compliance with the new rules can do so via the Ministry’s website.

Further assistance is available by email at ecom@moic.gov.bh or by calling 17574888.