Montenegro’s e-commerce sector is seeking changes to the country’s online-trade legislation as digital purchasing grows and the regulatory framework moves closer to European Union standards.
Chamber of Economy Group Seeks Changes to E-Commerce Law
A newly formed e-commerce group within the Chamber of Economy of Montenegro intends to launch amendments to the Law on Electronic Commerce, adopted in 2013, before the expansion of today’s marketplace and platform-based economy. The group consists of 13 companies and is headed by executives from Glovo Montenegro and Ananas Montenegro. Its priorities include clearer requirements covering the responsibilities of online marketplaces, identification of online traders, consumer complaints, advertising transparency and the treatment of unregistered sellers.
Online Purchasing Gains Ground
The push for legislative changes follows a significant increase in online shopping. In 2025, 31.5% of surveyed residents reported buying or ordering goods and services online during the previous three months, compared with 19.9% in 2021. Overall, 62.4% of respondents said they had made an online purchase at some point.
The growth has expanded the digital-commerce environment to include large platforms, local retailers, delivery companies and payment providers, with businesses participating in both domestic and cross-border transactions.
New Rules Could Affect Online Sellers and Marketplaces
For established businesses, clearer requirements could change competitive conditions by requiring informal sellers to meet comparable tax, consumer-protection and disclosure obligations. Online marketplaces could also face additional compliance requirements if revised rules require closer verification of sellers or place greater responsibility on platforms for goods and services offered through their systems.
Montenegro Prepares for EU Digital Services Rules
Montenegro is preparing to align its digital regulatory framework with the EU Digital Services Act, which establishes broader obligations for online intermediaries and platforms. The planned changes to domestic e-commerce legislation cover marketplace responsibilities, trader identification, consumer protection and platform obligations as Montenegro moves toward EU-aligned digital-commerce rules.
