DTI: Trustmark registration for online sellers voluntary until end of 2025

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has decided to make it voluntary for online sellers to secure the E-Commerce Philippine Trustmark—a seal that certifies that goods sold online have passed quality and safety checks—until the end of the year.

Last month, the DTI announced that obtaining the Trustmark would be mandatory, with the deadline extended to the end of 2025.

In a statement, the Trade Department said it held a town hall meeting with e-commerce stakeholders such as online business operators, consumer groups, and digital trade advocates, during which they aired their concerns over the mandatory nature of the Trustmark for online merchants.

“We used this discussion to hear straight from our stakeholders and learn about their daily concerns. Taking their feedback into account means we can improve the Trustmark system to be more useful, fair, and helpful for both businesses and consumers,” said Trade Secretary Cristina Roque.

“After all, our shared goal is to make e-commerce in the Philippines safer and more trustworthy for everyone,” she added.

Under Department Administrative Order (DAO) No. 25-12, series of 2025, issued on September 4, online merchants, e-retailers, e-marketplaces, or digital platforms are mandated to register for a Trustmark to be allowed to use the internet for conducting e-commerce in the Philippines, pursuant to Republic Act No. 11967, or the Internet Transactions Act of 2023.

The mandatory registration is also a direct response to the surge in consumer concerns, with the DTI recording over 13,000 complaints related to online transactions from January to August 2025.

Taking the views of stakeholders into account, the DTI said that the transition period for voluntary Trustmark applications continues until the end of 2025.

By early 2026, the Trade Department will thoroughly review whether the registration will remain voluntary. 

The DTI said it is currently finalizing the Trustmark program’s supplemental guidelines, specifically on the voluntary registration, along with the different fees depending on the size or type of business, among others. 

To earn and maintain a Trustmark, businesses must meet key regulatory standards, including full business disclosure, protection of consumer data, and the establishment of an internal redress mechanism to address consumer complaints. 

Online businesses may apply for the badge by completing the application form and submitting the required documents, such as their business name registration, business registration documents from SEC and CDA, BIR Certificate of Registration (BIR Form 2303), a valid Philippine government-issued ID of the applicant, and other necessary licenses/permits.

The total fees for securing a Trustmark badge amount to P1,130, composed of a P1,000 application fee, a web admin fee of P100, and a Documentary Stamp Tax of P30.

The Trustmark is valid for one year from the date of issuance.

The P1,000 application fee is waived for DTI-registered Barangay Micro Business Enterprises. —VBL, GMA Integrated News