DTI requires online sellers to have PH Trustmark

MANILA, September 24 ------ All online sellers in the Philippines are now required to have the Philippine Trustmark digital badge on its online stores. The Department of Trade and Industry said the Trustmark seal certifies that an online business follows good e-commerce practices and complies with Philippine laws.

The E-commerce Philippine Trustmark is part of the Internet Transactions Act of 2023 and DTI is now making this mandatory for all online sellers, including those who are selling on online shopping sites like Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop. This does not yet cover those on Facebook Marketplace who only sell one or two items or dispose of personal items. “The trustmark isn’t just a logo, it’s a seal of assurance. For consumers, it is a promise that the business is authentic and accountable. For businesses, it means more visibility and direct support from the Department of Trade and Industry,” DTI Secretary Cristina Roque said.

Roque said the department has received many complaints regarding online shopping and with the trustmark, this can lessen the sale of counterfeit goods, illegal products, and substandard items. She likened the trustmark to an approval from the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) when it comes to food, drugs, and cosmetics. “Online fraud, counterfeit goods, and dishonest trade practices are hurting both the consumers and the legitimate businessmen who work hard for a fair play,” she added.

DTI has already informed e-commerce platforms. The initial deadline set is September 30, 2025, but this may be extended up to the end of the year. Online sellers or merchants just need to register online and submit requirements like DTI business name registration, BIR Certificate of Registration, among others. For micro and small businesses, application fee is waived for the first year, but others will have to pay P1,130 and the trustmark is valid for one year.

DTI officials are also ready in case scammers attempt to copy or use fake trustmark badge. DTI Assistant Secretary Marcus Valdez said each badge will have a unique QR code which can be scanned, and it will direct you to an official page with information of the online shop, as well as what products the shop is selling. “Doon makikita ng consumer kung may lisensya ang merchant to sell a particular product or kung wala. However, hindi natin mapipigilan kung gusto manloko ng seller,” Valdez said.

Sellers found to issue fake trustmark or who are not following the rules can be sanctioned with their shop being removed from online platforms. Those who have no trustmark will be considered illegal businesses. “We can suspend them. We can also revoke their trustmark and we can also actually do some actions to make sure they follow the rules set,” said Roque.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com