DTI unveils digital badge for legitimate online businesses
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has launched a digital verification system among e-commerce merchants aimed at ensuring the safety and reliability of online transactions.
The DTI on Monday, July 7, said it has now opened the application process for the E-Commerce Philippine Trustmark for sellers through its digital portal.
Aligned with Republic Act (RA) No. 11967 or the Internet Transactions Act, the trustmark is a digital badge issued to online businesses that comply with fair e-commerce practices.
The badge is seen to help consumers identify legitimate online merchants, safeguarding them from unfair trade practices and threats of scam and other fraudulent activities.
On the part of certified businesses, the badge is poised to bring a “competitive edge” to help the online merchant stand out compared to other sellers.
As online selling continues to be prevalent, Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said the trustmark will strengthen trust in digital transactions, potentially boosting e-commerce growth in the country.
“We are empowering consumers to shop with greater confidence while encouraging businesses to follow established standards and uphold responsible online practices,” she said in a statement.
As indicated under Department Administrative Order No. 25-07, the DTI clarified the trustmark is not a license or a permit to engage in e-commerce, not does it exempt the holder from compliance with other applicable laws or regulations.
While the trustmark is voluntary, online merchants are encouraged to apply to build consumer trust, helping create a safe and more reliable digital trade.
To apply for the trustmark, interested applicants shall submit an application form with a sworn undertaking to comply with the applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
Additionally, they must possess a business name registration with the DTI, a certificate of registration with the Bureau of Internal Revenue, list of digital platforms or websites used for online sales, a valid government-issued ID, and a a step-by-step guide on the applicant’s internal redress mechanism.
Applications will be submitted online through the E-Commerce Philippine Trustmark’s online portal, and will have a registration fee of ₱1,000.
The trustmark shall be displayed prominently on the seller’s websites, profiles, and product pages.
For those with physical stores, the badge may likewise be displayed at the holder’s registered place of business.
The trustmark shall be valid for one year from the date of issuance.
Those with the badge will benefit from incentives such as streamlined access to the DTI’s programs and services, priority handling in processing of permits, eligibility to participate in the agency’s initiatives, consideration for future awards or citations, inclusion in promotional campaigns, and access to facilitation or redress mechanisms.
The DTI has the authority to suspend or revoke the trustmark based on grounds such as submission of false, misleading or fraudulent information in the application or renewal, as well as alteration or unauthorized transfer or display of trustmark on unregistered platforms, among others.