Compliance guides
Messaging Compliance in Nepal
SMS, WhatsApp, voice and RCS rules for businesses messaging customers in Nepal.
Overview
Telecom services in Nepal are regulated by the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA). Bulk SMS runs through the operators, Nepal Telecom and Ncell, and their aggregators, with sender names approved by the operators.
Nepal's Individual Privacy Act, 2018 (2075 BS) and its regulations set out how personal information may be collected and used, generally requiring consent.
Nepali and English are both used in search, often with Nepali typed in Roman script, and Facebook and YouTube are major discovery channels.
WhatsApp is widely used for business across South Asia, and Meta's opt-in and template rules apply in every country.
Voice campaigns should use locally permitted numbers and respect the regulator's rules on unsolicited calls.
Advertising Rules
Advertising should follow Nepal's advertising regulations, consumer protection law and platform policies.
Guides by Channel
SMS in Nepal
Telecom services in Nepal are regulated by the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA).
Read the guide →WhatsApp in Nepal
Viber, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger are all widely used in Nepal.
Read the guide →Voice Call in Nepal
Voice broadcasts and IVR in Nepal run through licensed operators; messages should be consent-based and scheduled at reasonable hours..
Read the guide →RCS in Nepal
RCS business messaging availability in Nepal depends on operator and device support, so we confirm coverage before planning campaigns and keep SMS as a fallback; the same consent rules that apply to SMS apply to RCS..
Read the guide →Digital Habits and Channels in Nepal
Nepal has growing mobile internet use, and Facebook, Messenger, Viber and TikTok are the main channels for reaching customers. Business SMS is sent through the operators Nepal Telecom and Ncell.
eSewa and Khalti wallets and FonePay QR are widely used for payments. Dashain and Tihar in autumn are the biggest festival and shopping seasons, followed by the trekking and tourism peaks in spring and autumn.
Nepal's economy relies on remittances from Nepalis working abroad, tourism to the Himalayas, agriculture and hydropower. VAT is 13%, and prices are in Nepalese rupees. The Individual Privacy Act 2018 protects personal data, and the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) regulates operators and bulk SMS. Most marketing is in Nepali, with English for tourism and business.
Regulators, Registers and Practical Rules in Nepal
Nepal Telecommunications Authority regulates telecoms, and the Individual Privacy Act 2018 governs personal data. Nepal Telecom and Ncell are the operators. Nepali is the main language.
Bulk SMS is sent through operators, and sender IDs should be approved. Dashain and Tihar in autumn are the peak shopping season. eSewa and Khalti are common wallets.
Nepal Telecom and Ncell require sender approval.
In practice, Nepali and English are both used for business messages, and customers respond well to short messages with a clear call-back number. Keep messages short, because many phones display Nepali text in Unicode, which reduces the characters per SMS.
General guidance, not legal advice. Check current rules with the regulator or a local adviser before launch.
Compliance in Nepal: FAQs
Which messaging channels need registration in Nepal?
It depends on the channel. Sender IDs for SMS often need registration with operators or the regulator, WhatsApp requires a verified business account and approved templates, and RCS needs brand verification. Each channel guide explains the details.
Does data protection law apply to messaging in Nepal?
Nepal's Individual Privacy Act, 2018 (2075 BS) and its regulations set out how personal information may be collected and used, generally requiring consent.
Is this legal advice?
No. These guides are general information. For significant campaigns, take advice from a local lawyer.
Plan Compliant Campaigns in Nepal
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