Decree 10/2026 Compliance Guide

Why Compliance Matters Now

Decree No. 10/2026 is not a future concern — it is current law. Published in the Kuwait Official Gazette in January 2026, the decree is already in force, with a grace period that ends in July 2026. After that date, MOCI inspectors will begin active enforcement, and sellers who have not taken steps toward compliance risk fines starting at 500 KWD per violation.

The most common mistake sellers make is assuming the law only targets large companies. In reality, MOCI has specifically stated that social media sellers, home-based businesses, and part-time vendors are all subject to the same requirements. Early compliance is not just about avoiding penalties — it is a competitive advantage. Customers increasingly prefer buying from sellers who display proper registration and clear policies.

Step-by-Step Compliance Roadmap

Phase 1: Registration and Legal Setup (Weeks 1–2)

The foundation of compliance is MOCI registration. Without it, every other compliance effort is technically moot because you are operating illegally as an online seller.

• Visit the MOCI digital services portal and create a seller account.
• Submit your commercial license number (or apply for a simplified sole-trader license if you do not have one).
• Register your selling channels — provide every URL, Instagram handle, and marketplace listing where you conduct sales.
• Wait for MOCI approval (typically 5–10 business days).
• Once approved, display your MOCI registration number on all selling channels.

Phase 2: Storefront Compliance (Weeks 2–3)

With registration in hand, the next step is making your storefront compliant. This involves language, policy, and disclosure requirements.

• Arabic business name — your business name must appear in Arabic on your storefront, profile, and all official communications.
• Arabic product descriptions — every product listing needs an Arabic description. You can include English too, but Arabic is mandatory.
• Return policy — publish a clearly worded return policy stating the 14-day return window, the conditions for returns, and the step-by-step return process.
• Privacy policy — if you collect any customer data (names, addresses, phone numbers), you need a published privacy policy.
• Terms and conditions — a comprehensive T&C document covering order processing, delivery, liability, and dispute resolution.
• Contact information — a visible phone number, email address, or contact form so customers can reach you easily.
• Delivery timelines — state your expected delivery timeframe for each product or service.
• Warranty information — for products that carry warranties, disclose the warranty terms clearly.

Phase 3: Payment and Invoicing (Weeks 3–4)

Payment compliance has two dimensions: the processor you use and the invoices you generate.

• Verify your payment processor — check that your payment gateway is licensed by the Central Bank of Kuwait. Major processors like KNET, MyFatoorah, and Tap are licensed. If you use an unlicensed processor, switch immediately.
• Remove surcharges — if you charge customers extra for paying by card, this is now illegal. The price must be the same regardless of payment method.
• Set up Arabic invoicing — every sale must generate an invoice in Arabic with these fields: seller name, MOCI number, buyer name, item description, unit price, total, date, and invoice number.
• Automate invoice delivery — send invoices via email, WhatsApp, or in-app messaging. Paper invoices for delivery orders are acceptable but digital is preferred.

Phase 4: Influencer and Marketing Compliance (Weeks 4–5)

If you work with influencers, content creators, or affiliate marketers, you have additional obligations.

• Written contracts — every influencer engagement must be documented in a signed contract specifying deliverables, compensation, and timeline.
• Five-year record retention — keep all influencer contracts, communications, and payment records for at least five years.
• Disclosure requirements — ensure your influencers clearly label sponsored content. Failure to do so can result in penalties for both the influencer and the sponsoring business.

Phase 5: Customer Service Infrastructure (Weeks 5–6)

• Complaint process — establish and publish a formal customer complaint process with defined response times.
• After-sales support — document your after-sales support procedure, including how customers can get help with defective products, exchanges, and service issues.
• Return processing — set up a system to track return requests and ensure they are processed within the 14-day window.

Common Violations and Their Penalties

Based on MOCI's published guidance, here are the most frequently cited violations and their associated penalties:

How Zelicra Automates Compliance

Manually tracking 18 compliance requirements across multiple selling channels is time-consuming and error-prone. Zelicra automates the entire process.

Automated Compliance Scanning

Connect your online store and Zelicra will scan all 18 compliance items automatically. The dashboard gives you a clear pass/fail status for each requirement, with specific guidance on how to fix any gaps.

Arabic Invoice Generation

Zelicra generates fully compliant Arabic invoices for every transaction. Each invoice includes all MOCI-required fields and is automatically numbered and dated. You can send invoices via email or WhatsApp with one click.

Return Tracking

The return management module tracks every return request against the 14-day window. You will receive alerts when a return is approaching its deadline, ensuring you never miss the legally required processing time.

Audit Trail

Every compliance action — from initial checklist completion to invoice generation — is logged in an immutable audit trail. If MOCI requests proof of compliance, you can generate a comprehensive report in seconds.

Influencer Contract Management

Upload influencer contracts, track expiration dates, and maintain the five-year record retention required by law. Zelicra sends reminders before contracts expire so you can renew or archive them properly.