The Defensoría del Consumidor reports that 23.8 percent of the more than 400 businesses currently listed in the national electronic commerce registry belong to financial services and retail warehouses, making them the most represented sectors in El Salvador’s fast-growing online market.

Authorities confirmed that from July 2024 through September 2, 2025, the Dirección de Vigilancia de Mercado registered 420 businesses. Of these, at least 52 operate in financial services and 48 function as clothing, shoe, and accessories retailers.

The portal was launched in July 2024 to allow businesses to formally register their web domains. The government stated that the requirement covers electronic platforms, mobile apps, and social media stores to ensure consumer protection while offering providers what it described as “a competitive advantage.”

The list also includes 36 food and beverage businesses, 34 professional service providers, 29 sellers of artisanal products, and 27 offering assorted goods. There are additionally 23 technology suppliers, 15 vehicle-related companies, 15 furniture and appliance stores, and 13 businesses in aesthetics and beauty. Other sectors registered include advertising, pet care, education, hospitality, printing, and agricultural supplies.

Data from the Defensoría show that 57.8 percent of the businesses are registered by individuals rather than corporations, amounting to 243 natural persons compared to 177 legal entities. San Salvador Centro leads by locality with 172 registered businesses, followed by La Libertad Sur with 36 and La Libertad Este with 33.