The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has granted online sellers a one-year reprieve after extending the acquisition of the controversial Philippine Trust Mark and making it voluntary instead of mandatory.

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque announced the move on Monday during a year-end press conference at Shangri-La The Fort in Taguig City, describing it as welcome news for online sellers this holiday season.

“It would be voluntary until 31 December 2026. But we still encourage everyone to have that credibility, especially the micro enterprises. If the government can do it, then why not?” Roque said.

She said the agency also studied how other countries implement similar systems before arriving at the decision.

“Joining now, however, gives the immediate benefit of helping build a safer digital marketplace while boosting your business. Early adopters gain key advantages right away: enhanced consumer trust that drives more sales and loyalty; stronger operational credibility to stand out from competitors, and clear market distinction with a badge that signals reliability. Plus, it’s affordable—micro businesses with total assets up to ₱3 million even get to register for free,” the DTI said in a separate statement on Monday.

Roque said that as of date, a total of 18,405 online merchants have already applied for the Philippine Trust Mark.

Under Department Administrative Order (DAO) 25-12, online merchants and platforms were initially mandated to secure the Philippine Trust Mark, a digital badge that signifies compliance with government standards on trustworthiness, safety, and fair e-commerce practices.

The DTI earlier announced that applications for the trust mark would be open until 31 December 2025.

Registered small businesses with total assets of more than P3 million up to P15 million are entitled to a 50 percent discount on the initial registration fee, plus P500 for the application fee, P100 for the web administration fee, and P30 for documentary stamp tax, for a total of P630.

Medium enterprises with total assets exceeding P15 million are required to pay the full amount of P1,000 for the application fee, P100 for the web administration fee, and P30 for documentary stamp tax, or a total of P1,130.

The Philippine Trust Mark policy earlier drew criticism from online merchants, who viewed it as an added financial burden on sellers.