The digital badge is an official recognition of a business’s adherence to lawful and ethical e-commerce practices.
Starting September 30, 2025, all entities engaged in internet transactions, such as online merchants, e-retailers, digital platforms, and e-marketplaces, will be required to register for the E-Commerce Trustmark.
It is a digital badge issued by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through its E-Commerce Bureau and serves as an official recognition of a business’s adherence to lawful and ethical e-commerce practices.
Legal Basis and Implementation
On September 4, 2025, Department Administrative Order no. 25-12 (DAO25-07) was signed to implement the rules and regulations of the DTI’s Trustmark. The Trustmark is issued in compliance with Republic Act No. 11967 , otherwise known as the Internet Transactions Act of 2023, and Republic Act No. 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines.
According to the DTI Trustmark FAQ page, the Trustmark is neither a license nor a permit to operate, and does not exempt businesses from complying with legal obligations.
Eligibility Criteria and Application Process
Any business that engages in internet transactions or e-commerce as defined under RA 1197: business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) entities that engage in e-commerce like digital platforms, online merchants, and e-retailers are eligible to apply for a Trustmark.
Applications should be submitted electronically through DTI’s Trustmark registration portal. Processing takes seven business days once all required documents have been provided.
Applicants are also required to submit a list of digital platforms or websites they use for online sales, along with a valid government-issued ID of their representative. The following IDs will be accepted:
- National ID (PhilSys)
- Philippine Passport issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)
- Driver’s License issued by the Land Transportation Office (LTO)
- Professional Regulations Commission (PRC) ID
- National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance
- Philippine National Police (PNP) ID/Police Clearance
- Postal ID issued by Philippine Postal Corporation (PhilPost)
- Voter’s ID/Voter’s Certification issued by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC)
- Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Unified Multi-Purpose ID/eCard
- Social Security System (SSS) Unified Multi-Purpose ID
- Seafarer’s Record Book (SRB) / Seafarer’s Identification (SID) issued by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA)
- Senior Citizen’s ID issued by the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) and/or local government units (LGUs)
- Person with Disability (PWD) ID issued by the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) or its regional counterpart, Office of the Mayor, Office of the Barangay Captain, DSWD Office, and other participating organizations with Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Health (DOH)
- Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth) ID
- Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG) Loyalty Card
- OFW ID issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)
- Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) ID
- 4Ps ID issued by the DSWD
- Barangay ID/Certification with picture and signature
- Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) with picture and signature issued by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)
- Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) ID
Applicants must also provide a step-by-step description of their internal redress mechanism, explaining how customer complaints are received, managed, and resolved in a fair and timely manner.
The total fee for the application or renewal of the Trustmark is Php1,130. This covers the application fee or renewal fee (Php1,000), a web administrative fee (Php100), and documentary stamp tax (Php30).
Successful applicants will be issued an official DTI badge along with a unique 14-digit security number for verification. The badge is only valid one year from the date of issuance.
The application for the E-Commerce Trustmark is voluntary, according to DTI’s E-Commerce Trustmark FAQ page. However, it is highly encouraged for online businesses as it serves as a strategic instrument for businesses aiming to build consumer trust, transparency, and responsible digital commerce.
Verification Mechanism
Consumers can verify the authenticity of a Trustmark holder by scanning the QR code embedded in the badge.
This action redirects users to the official DTI Trustmark website’s Online Business Database page where the validity of the registration can be confirmed.
Significance of the Trustmark
As a government-recognized digital badge, the Trustmark signifies that a business complies with RA 11967. It can also be used in various online channels.
Businesses awarded with the Trustmark are required to display it prominently on their official website, online storefront, seller profile, or product page to ensure customer visibility. For those operating physical stores, the Trustmark may likewise be placed in a clearly visible area at their registered business location to underscore their commitment to safe and reliable e-commerce practices.
The Trustmark highlights the following key principles: legal compliance, consumer protection, transparency, and ethical digital business practices.
The Trustmark is platform-neutral. It is not the same as platform-issued badges.
The latter is only recognized internally by the e-commerce platform based on their own metrics, such as sales volume, customer ratings, and delivery efficiency, and within their own internal policies and criteria.
Benefits for Registrants
Trustmark badge holders can access DTI programs and services like micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) support, business matching, and market access opportunities.
Additionally, they can participate in DTI-led trade fairs, training, and awareness campaigns, providing them visibility through official promotions and the possibly becoming recipients of future awards and citations.
DTI’s E-Commerce Bureau has issued a set of guidelines to help applicants.
Read More:
How to Register Your Business Name with DTI
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