DTI unveils E-Commerce Trustmark to protect digital consumers

In a bid to promote safer and more trustworthy digital trade, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has launched the E-Commerce Philippine Trustmark through a new online portal aimed at ensuring the safety and reliability of online transactions.

The initiative helps consumers identify legitimate online merchants and assures them that they are transacting with businesses that follow fair, transparent, and secure practices. It also gives certified businesses a competitive edge in a marketplace where reputation is key.

The E-Commerce Philippine Trustmark is a digital badge issued to online businesses that comply with fair e-commerce practices, consumer protection laws, and applicable standards under Republic Act No. 11967, or the Internet Transactions Act of 2023.

DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque underscored the importance of building trust in digital transactions.

“Trust is essential in the digital marketplace. Through the E-Commerce Philippine Trustmark, we are empowering consumers to shop with greater confidence while encouraging businesses to follow established standards and uphold responsible online practices,” she said.

Roque added that the nationwide system’s launch was a directive from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. under the Bagong Pilipinas initiative to protect consumers from deceptive and unfair trade practices.

The Trustmark must be prominently displayed on websites, seller profiles, or product pages. For businesses with physical stores, it may also be shown at the registered place of business.

To apply, businesses must fill out the online application form at trustmark.dti.gov.ph and submit the necessary documents, including registration certificates from the DTI, Securities and Exchange Commission, or Cooperative Development Authority, as well as a Bureau of Internal Revenue Certificate of Registration.

For more information, stakeholders may contact the DTI E-Commerce Bureau via email at ecommerce@dti.gov.ph or by phone at (+632) 7791-3282.