Lazada, the South-East Asian Electrician platform, announced a major adjustment to its cross-border operations, which would put on hold the applications of individual business owners and accept only those with valid business licences. Lazada indicated that the aim was to improve the quality of the Platform ‘ s services, optimize the business structure and promote efficient promotion and marketing of commodities.
According to Lazada ‘ s official statement, existing registered vendors are not affected, but are subject to a more rigorous qualification and a possible extension of the review cycle. Lazada recommended that business enterprises prepare relevant information in advance and follow up on applications for e-mails in order to obtain an update on the results of the audit and to expedite the check-in process.
Lazada has over 150 million live users in six countries in South-East Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Viet Nam), and market size in 2024 accounted for 25 per cent of regional electric operators. However, the limited capacity of individual business owners to manage and perform their inventory often leads to cancellation or delay of orders, affecting the buyer ‘ s experience. The Lazada data show that the average order completion rate for business vendors in 2024 was 95 per cent, well above 82 per cent for individual business owners. By limiting its presence, Lazara aims to attract larger and more specialized businesses and to improve the quality and logistics efficiency of the Platform ‘ s commodities.
The new policy requires new entrants to submit valid business licences, tax registrations and bank account information, and the vetting process will focus more on the authenticity of qualifications and operational capabilities. Lazada stated that the enhanced review might extend the review cycle from 7 to 10-15 working days, but that the platform would improve efficiency through the AI-Auxiliary Audit Tool. In support of business entrepreneurs, Lazara plans to launch training programmes and AI marketing tools, similar to its vendor AI operating guide issued in April 2025.
Lazada seeks to create differential advantages in quality and service by focusing on business. However, the suspension of the presence of individual business owners may reduce the appeal of the platform to small and medium-sized vendors, and analysts are concerned that this may push up the operating costs and push some of the sellers towards Temu or Shopee. In 2024, the electricity market in South-East Asia grew by 52 per cent to $216 billion, with small and medium-sized vendors still accounting for a significant share.
