Kuwait moves to regulate mobile cart sector, revokes 589 vendor permits
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has announced the cancellation of 589 commercial licenses for mobile carts after it was confirmed that the licenses had expired for more than a year ago.
The ministry said the move falls within its efforts to regulate the business environment and promote equal opportunities. It issued Ministerial Resolution No. 190 of 2025 as part of a comprehensive review of the mobile cart sector, to eliminate the inactive licenses and ensure that opportunities and government support are directed toward serious entrepreneurs actively operating in this vital sector.
The ministry emphasized that regulating the mobile cart sector goes beyond revoking non-compliant licenses and includes strengthening oversight mechanisms and advancing digital transformation, reports Al-Rai daily.
In this context, it urged license holders to obtain the “smart license” through the Commercial Registry Portal on the ministry’s website and to display it prominently on their vehicles.
According to the ministry, the smart license incorporates all relevant regulatory approvals and allows for immediate electronic verification, helping to streamline procedures, enhance transparency, and improve compliance levels.
Mobile vendors have been instructed to obtain and display the smart license by December 31, warning that failure to comply will result in penalties in accordance with applicable regulations.
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry reaffirmed its commitment to continuing the regulation of the mobile cart sector, supporting serious projects, and fostering a fair and competitive business environment that balances encouraging youth initiatives with strict adherence to commercial laws and regulations.
