DTI Launches E-Commerce Trustmark
On June 27, 2025, the Department of Trade and Industry issued the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) on the E-Commerce Philippine Trustmark (TRUSTMARK) to initiate its establishment and rollout pursuant to its mandate to promote trust, safety, and fairness in the electronic commerce (e-commerce) sphere.
The TRUSTMARK is a digital badge signifying that the products, goods, or services sold online are trustworthy. It aims to build consumer confidence and promote adherence to e-commerce standards and consumer protection policies. However, it is not a license or a permit to engage in e-commerce and does not exempt the holder from compliance with other applicable laws or regulations.
Republic Act No. 11967, or the Internet Transactions Act of 2023 (ITA), encourages the development of the E-Commerce Philippine Trustmark in line with the Act’s policy to foster robust digital trade and protect the interests of consumers.
Scope and Coverage
The TRUSTMARK IRR applies to all business-to business (B2B) or business-to-consumer (B2C) e-commerce transactions where one of the parties is situated in the Philippines, or where the digital platform, e-retailer, or online merchant is availing of the Philippine market and has minimum contracts in the country. It also applies to live-selling, which is considered advertising, an act which is within the ambit of the ITA. Online media content and consumer-to-consumer internet transactions, or “transactions between end-users done for personal, family, or household purposes, and not done in the ordinary course of business”, are not included in the coverage of the IRR.
Registration and Eligibility for the TRUSTMARK
While application for the TRUSTMARK is voluntary, it is encouraged to create a safe and reliable digital trade in the country.
To be a holder of the TRUSTMARK, one is required to have the following:
- Duly accomplished Application Form with a sworn Undertaking to comply with the applicable laws, rules, and regulations;
- Business Name registration with the DTI, Certificate of Incorporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission or Certificate of Registration with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), as applicable;
- Bureau of Internal Revenue Certificate of Registration (Form No. 2303) reflecting the (i) registered business or trade name to be used by the holder and (2) its line of business or Philippine Standards Industrial Classification Code (PSIC) that the holder is engaged in e-commerce or internet transactions (e.g. PSIC 47913);
- List of digital platforms or websites used or online sales;
- Valid government-issued ID of the applicant or its representative;
- A step-by-step guide on the applicant’s internal redress mechanism.
Applications are to be submitted electronically through the online TRUSTMARK registration portal.
The TRUSTMARK with a unique security number and quick-response (QR) code assigned by the DTI shall be issued to the applicant after approval of the application and payment of a fee of PHP1,000.00.
A TRUSTMARK holder shall be automatically listed in the publicly available and accessible Online Business Database (OBD), a database of digital platforms, e-marketplaces, e-retailers, and online merchants engaged in e-commerce.
The TRUSTMARK shall be valid for one (1) year from the date of issuance.
Incentives for TRUSTMARK Holders
Certain benefits are granted to holders of the TRUSTMARK to encourage broader adoption of the badge and compliance with e-commerce standards: (a) streamlined access to DTI programs and services; (b) priority handling in the processing of relevant DTI permits or certifications; (c) eligibility to participate in DTI-led capacity-building activities, trade fairs, or consumer awareness initiatives; (d) consideration for future recognition awards or citation issued by the DTI; (e) inclusion in official DTI promotional campaigns and digital trust initiatives; and (f) access to DTI-administered facilitation or redress mechanisms for addressing reported consumer issues or concerns.
TRUSTMARK Use and Placement
The TRUSTMARK shall be displayed on a clearly visible section of the holder’s official website, digital storefront, seller profile, or as part of the product image areas. For those with physical stores, the TRUSTMARK may also be displayed in a conspicuous location at the holder’s registered place of business.
The TRUSTMARK shall not be altered, transferred or used for purposes other than those authorized by the DTI.
TRUSTMARK Suspension and Revocation
Curable or procedural violations shall result in the suspension of the TRUSTMARK. Revocation of the TRUSTMARK shall be imposed in the following cases: (a) submission of false, misleading, or fraudulent information in connection with the application or renewal of the TRUSTMARK; (b) using the TRUSTMARK in a manner inconsistent with the IRR; (c) failure to comply with reporting, updating, or renewal obligations under the IRR; (d) violation of consumer protection, fair trade, or e-commerce laws; (e) accumulation of repeated or unresolved consumer complaints; (f) refusal to cooperate with DTI-led monitoring, verification, or enforcement actions, or (g) other grounds analogous to the foregoing.
The full IRR may be accessed here.