The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is extending the deadline of the e-commerce trustmark as a voluntary requirement until the end of next year, giving online merchants more time to participate in the program.

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said the voluntary period for the trustmark will now end on Dec. 31, 2026, one year later than initially expected.

“If the government can give it, why not?” Roque said on Monday, Dec. 22, when asked about the reason behind the extension.

The e-commerce trustmark was initially voluntary for online retailers when it was first announced in July but was later made mandatory in September. The following month, it was reverted to voluntary.

The DTI moved to no longer mandate the document in response to complaints labeling the trustmark as another burden on online sellers.

The maximum cost to register for the trustmark is ₱1,130, while micro businesses with total assets of less than ₱3 million would pay only ₱130.

Under the Internet Transactions Act, the trustmark acts as a digital badge for online platforms or merchants that comply with fair e-commerce practices.

This is meant to provide assurance of safety and security in internet transactions amid the proliferation of scams and other fraudulent activities online.

The DTI said extending the trustmark’s voluntary registration will give online sellers “more time to join at their own pace.”

“Joining now, however, gives the immediate benefit of helping build a safer digital marketplace while boosting your business,” the agency said in a statement.

The DTI said early adopters of the trustmark will gain key advantages, including enhanced consumer trust, which could increase sales and build loyalty.

It will also help sellers establish stronger operational credibility to stand out from competitors and secure clearer market distinction, it said.

Based on the DTI’s latest tally, there are already over 18,000 trustmark applications from online merchants, e-retailers, and digital platforms.

Roque said this signals growing interest in the trustmark, which she noted was patterned after global benchmarks in e-commerce.