DTI extends Trustmark registration to year-end, reiterates waiver of fees for BMBEs

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has extended the registration period for online businesses under the E-Commerce Philippine Trustmark system until December 31, 2025, from the initial registration deadline of September 30.

Trade Secretary Cristina A. Roque said the three-month extension reflects the agency’s commitment to balance business welfare and consumer protection.

“The Trustmark is not a regulation to burden businesses but to serve as a tool that shields legitimate enterprises from scammers who undermine consumer confidence. Our aim is to make it simpler for consumers to identify and trust legitimate sellers, so entrepreneurs can focus on what truly matters—growing their business,” Secretary Roque said.

To assist small entrepreneurs, DTI affirmed that Barangay Micro Business Enterprises, or businesses with total assets of three million pesos or less, are exempt from the ₱1,000 registration fee. Small businesses with total assets of fifteen million pesos or less will be assessed half of the registration fee. They will only need to pay a ₱100 web administration fee and ₱30 documentary stamp tax for their certificate. Specific details will be released in a separate issuance.

In a press conference, DTI’s E-Commerce Bureau (ECB) said the mandatory registration will support the legitimacy of businesses, especially micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), through the Online Business Database that allows consumers to confirm that they are transacting with legitimate, accountable, and trustworthy sellers verified by the DTI.

In the spirit of fairness, the Secretary has instructed the Bureau to find ways to give incentives for those who have applied for registration on or before the September 30 initial deadline, and to explore the possibility to extend the Trustmark’s one (1) year validity.

DTI issued Department Administrative Order (DAO) No. 25-12 on September 4, which requires online businesses to register with the E-Commerce Bureau (ECB).

This is pursuant to Republic Act No. 119607, or the Internet Transactions Act of 2023, that mandates the DTI to: (1) enforce the registration of digital platforms and online merchants with the ECB and (2) exercise the Department’s regulatory jurisdiction as to the use of the internet for conducting e-commerce.

Concerned entities are obligated to disclose their accurate and complete business information, submit the necessary permits and licenses, and maintain an accessible and responsive internal redress mechanism for consumer complaints, among other requirements, to the ECB.

From January to August 2025, DTI received over 13,000 online transaction complaints.

For inquiries about the mandatory registration, the ECB may be reached via email at [email protected] or by telephone at (+632) 7791.3282.♦

Date of Release: 19 September 2025