DTI shifts to voluntary E-Commerce trustmark amid merchant pushback
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has announced a temporary, voluntary approach to the E-Commerce Philippine Trustmark, signaling a pause in its previously mandatory rollout. Trade Secretary Cristina Roque disclosed the update during a town hall meeting on Wednesday, October 15, detailing how the policy will operate through December 31 while the agency consults with stakeholders and revises the program.
The move comes after a wave of criticism from online merchants who argue that the trustmark imposes new burdens on digital sellers without delivering commensurate benefits. The DTI’s decision to make the trustmark optional through year-end reflects a willingness to listen to business concerns and refine the program so it is both practical for sellers and reassuring for consumers.
What the trustmark is supposed to do
Aligned with the Internet Transactions Act, the E-Commerce Philippine Trustmark is intended as a digital badge that helps consumers identify legitimate online platforms and merchants. The goal is to promote fair e-commerce practices and shield buyers from scams, misleading conduct, and other fraudulent activities. When a platform earns the trustmark, shoppers can feel more confident that the seller adheres to established standards for transparency and customer protection.
DTI officials stressed that the trustmark remains one tool among broader consumer-protection laws. Despite the temporary policy shift, the department underscored that “all existing laws related to e-commerce continue to be strictly enforced,” and agencies will not suspend oversight on dishonest operators regardless of the trustmark status.
Stakeholder feedback drives policy revision
Secretary Roque indicated that the decision to pause the mandatory requirement arose from direct feedback at the town hall. Stakeholders urged the DTI to improve the trustmark so it is more useful, fair, and beneficial for both small and large online businesses as well as for buyers. In Roque’s words, the agency wants the program to be truly effective rather than simply appearing to regulate from afar.
Consumer groups welcomed the recalibration, saying it offers a chance to expand outreach and education about the program. They urged clearer guidance on how merchants can earn and maintain the trustmark, and they pressed for greater transparency on any fees tied to registration depending on business size or type. Attendees also highlighted the importance of a robust promotional campaign to raise awareness among shoppers, ensuring the trustmark becomes a meaningful signal in a crowded online market.
What happens next and what buyers should know
Under the current plan, the trustmark registration remains optional until December 31, while the DTI finalizes supplementary guidelines. The department is weighing how fees might vary based on business characteristics, among other design considerations. A formal review is also slated for early 2026 to decide whether the trustmark registration should stay voluntary or revert to a mandatory framework.
Officials emphasized that the policy’s temporary nature does not weaken consumer protection. Instead, it reflects a pragmatic approach to policy design—balancing the needs and burdens of online sellers with the public’s interest in safer digital marketplaces. As part of the ongoing process, the DTI is expected to roll out clearer instructions on application procedures, compliance expectations, and the continuous enforcement of e-commerce laws.
Looking ahead
While the trustmark’s status remains in flux, the broader objective remains: to reduce harm in online commerce and to build trust between buyers and sellers in the Philippines. Merchants hope for a program that is not only enforceable but also fair, with predictable costs and transparent benefits. Consumers, meanwhile, are looking for better visibility into which platforms meet credible standards and how ongoing oversight will protect them from fraud.
The DTI’s decision to not enforce the trustmark as mandatory through year-end signals a willingness to adjust course in response to real-world realities. If the voluntary period proves effective, the policy could become a durable feature of Philippine e-commerce that complements existing laws and strengthens buyer confidence—without unduly burdening legitimate sellers.
