The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has extended the voluntary registration period for the E-Commerce Philippine Trustmark until Dec. 31, 2026, giving more online businesses additional time to obtain the certification.
In an interview on Monday, DTI Secretary Cristina Roque said around 18,400 businesses have applied for the Trustmark to date.
She added that the policy will be reviewed ahead of the new deadline.
Roque also said the agency continues to study how other countries regulate online business registration as part of efforts to further improve local policies.
The DTI initially set the voluntary Trustmark registration deadline for Sept. 30 this year but later extended it until the end of the year following requests from businesses seeking more time to comply.
“The Trustmark is not a regulation meant to burden businesses, but a tool to protect legitimate enterprises from scammers who erode consumer confidence. Our goal is to make it easier for consumers to identify and trust legitimate sellers, allowing entrepreneurs to focus on what truly matters—growing their business,” Roque said earlier.
DTI officials previously said that major platforms such as TikTok, Lazada, and Shopee are among those that have already been issued Trustmark badges.
Under Republic Act 11967, or the Internet Transactions Act of 2023, along with DTI Department Administrative Order 25-07, businesses with an online presence are required to apply for the badge to help ensure secure transactions for both sellers and consumers.
DTI PHOTO