The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced on Friday it has moved the deadline for online businesses to register for the Philippine E-Commerce Trustmark from September 30 to December 31, 2025.
The deadline was extended to allow small businesses more time to adapt to the new law, which aims to boost consumer confidence.
The move aims to accommodate more micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that have yet to apply for the Trustmark “badge” which helps consumers identify legitimate online sellers.
The digital badge, issued under the Internet Transactions Act of 2023 (Republic Act 11967), is designed to combat online scams and protect consumers by verifying that a seller adheres to national e-commerce standards and consumer protection rules.
With Department Administrative Order 25-07, DTI has previously mandated that all online businesses operating in the Philippines must register for and display a government-issued “Trustmark” by September 30.
The Trustmark directive comes in response to a rising number of consumer complaints about online transactions.
The DTI said the Trustmark will provide a “crucial layer of trust and accountability” in the country’s growing digital marketplace.
DTI Secretary Cristina Roque said the Trustmark is a protective tool, not a burden. “It serves as a tool that shields legitimate enterprises from scammers who undermine consumer confidence,” she said.
“Our aim is to make it simpler for consumers to identify and trust legitimate sellers,” Roque added.
Major platforms like TikTok, Lazada, and Shopee have already secured their badges.
Secretary Roque also said that many businesses wait until the last minute, but affirmed the department’s commitment to the program, saying, “we stand firm that we really need to have the Trustmark.”
As of September 19, over 10,000 businesses have submitted their applications, DTI said.
Despite a high volume of interest, the number of applications filed remains low.
DTI data shows there are an estimated 1.2 million to 1.3 million registered MSMEs in the country with nearly 500,000 to 900,000 actively selling online across various platforms.
Trustmark annual registration costs P1,130 which includes P1,000 application fee, P100 web administration fee and P30 documentary stamp tax.
To support small businesses, those registered under the Barangay Micro Business Enterprise (BMBE) program are exempt from the application and admin fees for the first year. — Marlon Magtira
