Consumer Protection Act, 2075 (2018)

Every consumer has the right to safe goods and services, to accurate information about price, quality and ingredients, to choose freely among products, to be heard, and to obtain compensation for loss caused by defective goods.

A seller must disclose the maximum retail price, quantity, manufacturer, date of manufacture and expiry, and any material risk associated with the product. The disclosure must be in Nepali or English on the label or packaging.

A consumer who suffers loss from a defective product or deficient service may claim replacement, refund or compensation from the seller or manufacturer.

A seller may not hoard goods to raise prices, sell adulterated or expired goods, use false weights, create artificial shortages or make misleading claims about a product's effect.

Advertising that contains a false statement, conceals a material fact or promises a benefit the product cannot deliver is prohibited. The advertiser and the seller are jointly responsible.

Where a warranty is offered, the seller must honour it in writing and repair or replace the goods within a reasonable time. A warranty may not exclude rights granted by this Act.

A seller offering goods through electronic platforms must display the seller's identity, contact details, total price including delivery, and the return policy before an order is confirmed.

A consumer may file a complaint with the Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection, a district administration office, or directly with the Consumer Court, together with proof of purchase where available.

Inspection officers may enter business premises, take samples and seize goods suspected of violating this Act. They must issue a receipt for anything seized.

Violations of this Act are punishable by fines and, for serious offences such as selling goods harmful to health, imprisonment. Repeat offenders face doubled penalties.

A Consumer Court comprising a district judge and two members hears consumer disputes and may award compensation up to the amount of loss suffered. Appeals lie to the High Court.