Best E-commerce & Internet Law Lawyers in Dokki

1. About E-commerce & Internet Law in Dokki, Egypt

Dokki is a bustling district in Giza, part of the Greater Cairo area, with many online merchants, startups, and small businesses. The E-commerce and Internet Law landscape here blends national statutes, regulatory guidance, and local court practice. Businesses in Dokki selling online must navigate data protection, consumer rights, online advertising, contract formation, and digital payments within Egypt’s legal framework. A local Advocate or legal counsel familiar with e-commerce issues can help reduce risk and speed up compliance.

Egypt has steadily strengthened its framework for online commerce and data handling over the past few years. This includes rules on personal data protection, cybercrime, and consumer protections that affect how online stores operate, advertise, and process payments. For Dokki residents, staying current on these rules helps avoid penalties and keeps cross-border sales smoother.

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

• Data breach or data processing concerns for a Dokki online store. If customer information is compromised, you must address data subject rights, notification duties, and potential penalties under data protection law. An advocate can help you implement lawful processing and breach response plans.
• Online advertising disputes or misrepresentation claims. A customer or regulator may challenge claims about product warranties, returns, or performance. A legal counsel can review your terms, ads, and refund policies to ensure they meet Egyptian consumer rules.
• Cross-border e-commerce and data transfers. If you ship to or from outside Egypt, you may face cross-border data transfer rules and contract requirements. A lawyer can draft data transfer agreements and advise on safeguards.
• Tax and VAT compliance for online sales. E-commerce vendors must align with the Egyptian tax regime and VAT rules for online transactions. An attorney can help with registration points and filing obligations.
• Contracting with suppliers, payment providers and marketplaces. Clear terms govern delivery, refunds, liability, and data sharing. An Advocate can draft or review supplier agreements and platform terms to limit liability.
• Cybersecurity incidents or cybercrime concerns affecting your online business. If you experience unauthorized access or ransomware, you need urgent guidance on reporting, criminal complaints, and regulatory obligations.

3. Local Laws Overview

The following laws and regulations have a direct impact on E-commerce and Internet Law practice in Dokki and across Egypt. They shape how online businesses collect data, protect customers, and handle online transactions.

• Personal Data Protection Law No. 151 of 2020 (PDPL). This law governs the processing of personal data by public and private entities, sets data subject rights, and imposes duties on data controllers and processors. It also addresses cross-border data transfers and security measures. The PDPL sits at the center of any online business that collects customer information in Egypt. Effective from 2020.
• Cybercrime Law No. 175 of 2018. This statute criminalizes unauthorized access, hacking, online fraud, and dissemination of harmful content. It is relevant to e-commerce operators who maintain online platforms and customer accounts, and to service providers who host or process data online. Effective from 2018.
• Consumer Protection Law No. 81 of 2003 (as amended). Governs unfair trade practices, false advertising, product warranties, and consumer rights in online and offline contexts. This law ensures online merchants cannot mislead customers and must honor stated terms. Effective from 2003.

For practical compliance, you may also interact with agencies that oversee business operations and payments in Dokki:

• General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI). Regulates business registrations, licensing, and general compliance for Egyptian enterprises and e-commerce ventures. Official portal: gafi.gov.eg.
• Egyptian Tax Authority (ETA). Oversees VAT and tax obligations for online sales, including cross-border transactions. Official portal: eta.gov.eg.
• Central Bank of Egypt (CBE). Regulates digital payments, merchant acquiring, and anti-money laundering controls affecting online sellers. Official site: cbe.org.eg.
• Egyptian Consumer Protection Authority (CPA). Enforces consumer rights in advertising, pricing, refunds, and dispute resolution for e-commerce. Official portal: cpa.gov.eg.

Source: Egyptian regulatory framework for personal data protection aligns with global data protection standards, impacting how online stores collect and process customer data.

Egypt's cybercrime statute establishes penalties for unauthorized access and online fraud, underscoring the need for secure platforms and compliant incident response.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is the PDPL and when did it take effect?

The Personal Data Protection Law No. 151 of 2020 governs how entities process personal data in Egypt. It became effective in 2020, with ongoing implementing rules and sector guidance.

How do I register my Dokki business for e-commerce?

Register your business with GAFI to obtain the necessary licensing and to operate legally as an Egyptian trader. Registration helps with import, export, and online sales compliance.

What happens if a customer asks for data deletion?

Under PDPL, data subjects can request access, correction, or deletion of their personal data. You should have procedures to respond within statutory timelines.

Is online advertising subject to consumer protection rules?

Yes. The CPA prohibits deceptive ads and requires clear terms, pricing, and refund policies for online offers. Failing to comply can trigger regulatory action.

Do I need to appoint a Data Protection Officer for my online store?

PDPL may require formal roles for entities with large-scale data processing or high risk processing. A legal counsel can assess your specific processing activities and advise accordingly.

How long does a typical e-commerce dispute take in Egypt?

Dispute timelines vary by court and complexity. Small claims or consumer disputes can resolve in months, while complex commercial disputes may take a year or longer.

What is cross-border data transfer and how is it regulated?

Cross-border transfers require safeguards such as adequacy decisions or contractual protections. Work with a lawyer to draft data transfer agreements and assess jurisdictional risks.

Should I use an online payment provider in Egypt?

Using local payment providers can help with regulatory compliance and customer trust. Ensure the provider complies with CBE rules and PDPL data handling standards.

What are my obligations when collecting customer data online?

You must obtain consent, disclose purposes, limit data collection to necessary data, protect data securely, and provide rights to access and deletion where applicable.

How much does it cost to hire an e-commerce lawyer in Dokki?

Costs depend on scope, experience, and engagement type. Common formats include hourly fees or fixed fees for contract reviews and regulatory guidance.

What is the difference between a solicitor and an advocate in Egypt?

In Egypt, lawyers are commonly called advocates or lawyers. A legal counsel or advocate can represent you in negotiations and court proceedings depending on the case type.

5. Additional Resources

• General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI) Official portal for business registration and investment guidance in Egypt. gafi.gov.eg
• Egyptian Tax Authority (ETA) Official site for VAT and tax obligations for businesses including online sellers. eta.gov.eg
• Consumer Protection Authority (CPA) Official body enforcing consumer rights and advertising standards for e-commerce. cpa.gov.eg

6. Next Steps

1. Define your e-commerce needs and scope. Write down product categories, target markets, and planned platforms or marketplaces. Include expected data flows and payment methods. Time estimate: 1-2 days.
2. Identify a Dokki-based Advocate with e-commerce experience. Look for lawyers or firms with a track record in PDPL, cybercrime, and consumer protection matters. Time estimate: 3-7 days.
3. Check credentials and references. Verify bar membership, years of practice, and prior e-commerce matters. Request client references or case summaries. Time estimate: 1 week.
4. Schedule consultations and gather documents. Prepare business licenses, terms and conditions, privacy notices, and sample contracts. Time estimate: 1-2 weeks.
5. Ask for a written engagement letter and fee structure. Clarify scope, deliverables, hourly rates or fixed fees, and timing. Time estimate: 1 week.
6. Obtain a preliminary compliance plan. Have the lawyer outline PDPL, CPA, and cross-border data transfer steps relevant to your store. Time estimate: 1-2 weeks.
7. Implement recommended changes and monitor updates. Start with data handling, website disclosures, and platform terms. Schedule periodic reviews (every 6-12 months). Time estimate: ongoing.