Why is it essential to know the legal requirements for websites before launching?
Many online business owners think that launching a website only involves buying hosting, a domain, and designing a template. However, in Iran, ignoring legal requirements for websites can lead to fines, domain blocking, or even legal prosecution. This article helps you understand all the necessary legal and administrative matters before publishing your website and avoid future problems.
In this guide, we will review three main sections: obtaining the trust symbol (Enamad), proper domain registration and content compliance, and finally, the legal pages every website must have. We will also point out common mistakes many website managers make.
Electronic Trust Symbol (Enamad); The First Step to Building Trust
The electronic trust symbol, known by the abbreviation Enamad, is issued by the Electronic Commerce Development Center (Teta Center) under the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade. This symbol is a kind of "health certificate" for online stores and service websites, indicating that your business has been verified in terms of identity and legality.
Steps to Obtain Enamad
The process of obtaining Enamad is entirely online and is done through the enamad.ir system. The main steps are as follows:
- Registering on the system using your national ID and mobile number (for individuals) or economic code (for legal entities).
- Completing the business profile, including the exact address, phone number, and bank account information.
- Identity verification by submitting documents (national ID card, birth certificate, or official gazette for companies).
- Placing the tracking code on your website and waiting for expert review (usually 3 to 7 business days).
- After approval, you must place the HTML code of the symbol in the footer of your website.
Important note: To obtain Enamad, your website must have Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and About Us pages. Otherwise, your request will be rejected.
Difference Between Temporary and Permanent Enamad
Initially, Enamad is issued as temporary (one-year). After one year of healthy activity without customer complaints, you can apply for renewal and obtain a permanent Enamad. The permanent Enamad requires a more detailed review and includes an in-person or virtual audit of the business location.
Common mistake: Many websites think that Enamad is only mandatory for online stores. However, according to the law, any website providing online services (even appointment booking or consultation sites) must have Enamad. Failure to obtain Enamad can lead to the blocking of the payment gateway and even the filtering of the website.
Domain Registration and Its Legal Requirements
Choosing and registering a domain is another part of legal requirements for websites that is often overlooked. Your domain is not just your website address; it is part of your business's legal identity.
Iranian Domains (.ir) and Their Rules
If you intend to use a .ir domain, you must go through the Iran Domain Registration Center (IRNIC). The main rules for Iranian domains are:
- Having a valid national ID (for individuals) or economic code (for legal entities).
- Not using names that are criminal instances or government titles without permission.
- Complying with copyright and trademark laws (you cannot register a domain similar to another well-known brand).
- Paying the annual registration and renewal fee (the amount varies depending on the domain type).
International Domains and Their Limitations
Using .com or .net domains is free, but you should note that these domains are governed by international laws (ICANN). In case of a legal dispute, it will be handled in international authorities, which is costly and time-consuming. For domestic businesses, it is recommended to also register a .ir domain to benefit from domestic legal protection.
Troubleshooting tip: If your domain is blocked due to a complaint from another brand, first register your objection through the nic.ir system. In many cases, the issue is due to name similarity and can be resolved by providing trademark ownership documents.
Mandatory Legal Pages on Every Iranian Website
Having legal pages is not only necessary for obtaining Enamad but also for complying with cybercrime laws and consumer protection. In this section, we review the most important pages you should create before publishing your website.
Terms of Service Page
This page should include the terms of use of the website, purchase and sale rules, return policy, and how to handle complaints. According to Article 38 of the Electronic Commerce Law, the seller is obliged to clearly state the transaction terms to the buyer. A suitable structure example:
1. Definitions and General Provisions
2. Registration and Account Terms
3. Purchase and Payment Rules
4. Shipping and Delivery Policy
5. Return and Refund Terms
6. Responsibilities of the Parties
7. Dispute Resolution and Competent AuthorityPrivacy Policy Page
According to Article 17 of the Electronic Commerce Law, you are required to state how you collect, store, and use user information. This page should include the following:
- What information is collected from users (name, email, phone number, address).
- How this information is used (sending newsletters, processing orders, behavioral analysis).
- Whether the information is shared with third parties (e.g., postal company or payment gateway).
- The duration of data retention and how to request data deletion.
About Us and Contact Us Pages
Although these pages seem simple, they are legally very important. According to the law, every website must have valid and traceable contact information. Minimum required information:
- Full name of the owner or company.
- Exact postal address (not just a P.O. Box).
- Valid landline or mobile phone number.
- Responsive email address.
- National ID or economic code (for legal entities).
FAQ Page and Return Policy
Although the FAQ is not legally mandatory, it helps reduce disputes. However, the return policy is mandatory for online stores under the Consumer Protection Law. Be sure to specify the return period (usually 7 days), the condition of the goods, and how refunds are processed.
Common mistake: Many websites copy the terms text from other websites. This creates two problems: first, the text does not match your business and can work against you in case of a dispute. Second, from a copyright perspective, the original text owner can file a complaint. Always write the terms text tailored to your own activities.
Organization System (Saman-dehi) and Other Required Permits
In addition to Enamad, depending on the type of your website activity, you may need other permits. Since 1402 (2023), all active websites in Iran must register in the Organization System (at saman-dehi.ir). This system is managed by the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance and aims to accurately verify the identity of website owners.
Specialized Permits for Certain Businesses
Some activities require specific permits:
- Selling health and cosmetic products: Permit from the Food and Drug Administration.
- Selling food products: Health permit from the Ministry of Health.
- Financial and payment services: Permit from the Central Bank.
- Online education: Permit from the Ministry of Education or the Ministry of Science.
- News and analysis: Permit from the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance.
Operating without a permit in these areas can lead to website closure and legal prosecution.
Summary and Final Checklist
Complying with legal requirements for websites not only prevents legal issues but also helps build customer trust and grow your business. Before publishing your website, review this checklist:
- Register a suitable domain (preferably
.ir) with correct identity information. - Create Terms, Privacy Policy, About Us, and Contact Us pages.
- Obtain Enamad through the enamad.ir system.
- Register in the Organization System (Saman-dehi).
- Obtain specialized permits (if needed).
- Place the tracking code and symbols in the website footer.
If you have recently launched your website and need a reliable infrastructure, ServerNet offers web hosting and cloud infrastructure services with technical support that can help you run your website faster and more securely. But remember that technical infrastructure is only part of the success, and compliance with laws is an inseparable part of it.
Finally, we recommend consulting with a lawyer specializing in e-commerce for complex legal matters. The cost of legal consultation at the beginning is much lower than the costs of fines and website closure in the future.
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