Kuwait Sets 1 KD Delivery Fee Cap and New Regulations

Hey everyone! I wanted to share some major local updates that just dropped regarding how online shopping and food delivery apps are going to operate moving forward. If you frequently order meals, groceries, or use digital marketplaces in Kuwait, this is definitely an update you will want to keep on your radar.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has officially rolled out a comprehensive new framework known as the E-Platform Regulations. The main goal behind these updated guidelines is to strengthen the local digital commerce sector, safeguard everyday consumers, and ensure a fairer playing field for local merchants and businesses. Let’s take a closer look at what is actually changing under the new policy.

Understanding the New Commission and Delivery Caps

One of the most talked-about elements of this announcement is the introduction of strict limits on what digital platforms can charge merchants. To prevent excessive deductions from local businesses and restaurants, the updated rules establish clear percentage ceilings:

Platform Commission Cap (With Delivery): The total platform commission is capped at 17% when delivery services are bundled into the transaction.
Platform Commission Cap (Without Delivery): When delivery is excluded—meaning merchants utilize their own staff or independent couriers—the cap drops down to 10%.
Delivery Fee Limit: To protect shoppers from unpredictable or inflated delivery costs at checkout, the maximum allowable delivery fee has been fixed at KD 1 per order.

These caps are designed to bring financial predictability to both small businesses and regular shoppers who rely on apps daily.

Enhanced Consumer Protection and Transparency

Beyond financial limits, the updated regulatory framework places a heavy emphasis on absolute transparency and data protection. Consumers can expect several direct benefits:

Platforms are now legally obligated to fully disclose all applicable prices, service charges, and fees before an order reaches final completion.
Clear return, exchange, and refund policies are now mandatory requirements for all registered e-platforms.
Strict protocols have been established to safeguard personal consumer data and transaction privacy.

These steps aim to eliminate hidden checkout fees and build stronger trust between buyers and digital service providers.

Transitioning Away From Older Frameworks

If you are wondering how this fits into existing laws, these new rules completely replace previous restaurant delivery regulations. Instead of focusing narrowly on food delivery services, the updated framework casts a much wider net, governing all intermediary e-platforms operating within the digital space.

Compliance Deadlines for Businesses

To ensure a smooth transition, digital platform operators and online marketplaces have been given a set timeframe to adjust their operations. Companies have until Sept 1, 2026, to achieve full compliance, update their commercial licenses under the correct classifications, and restructure their fee models.

I will keep following this story as the compliance deadline draws closer.