Do You Sell Online? You May Need a DTI Trustmark (E-Commerce Philippine Trustmark)

Some of you may have received notifications from E-commerce marketplaces such Lazada and Shopee that you will need to submit a DTI Trustmark. If you sell online, whether through Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop, Facebook/Instagram, your own website, or even by “live-selling,” this DTI Trustmark may soon be a requirement in order to build trust with future and current customers.

What is the DTI Trustmark?

The E-Commerce Philippine Trustmark (Trustmark) is a government-issued digital badge for businesses engaged in e-commerce, with an emphasis on legal compliance, consumer protection, transparency, and responsible online practices.

It’s also platform-neutral, which means it’s usable across different online channels (website, social media pages, digital storefronts) rather than being limited to one marketplace’s internal badge system.

It’s important to note that the Trustmark is a badge/certification system and is not a substitute for other registrations and compliance obligations (DTI/SEC/CDA registration, BIR registration, etc.).

Who is the Trustmark for?

It’s for businesses engaged in internet transactions or e-commerce, including digital platforms, online merchants, and e-retailers (B2B and B2C).

Benefits of having a Trustmark

According to DTI’s FAQ page and guidelines, Trustmark holders may receive incentives such as streamlined access to DTI programs/services (MSME support, market access, business matching), eligibility for DTI-led trainings/trade fairs, increased visibility through official initiatives, and recognition mechanisms. However, the biggest day-to-day benefit is that it signals trust to consumers. It tells consumers that the business they are buying from is legitimate and sell products that are of expected quality.

DTI Trustmark Requirements

Here is your DTI Trustmark Checklist:

1.    Duly accomplished online application form with a sworn undertaking to comply with applicable laws/rules

2.    Proof of business registration (as applicable):

• DTI Business Name registration, or

• SEC Certificate of Incorporation, or

• CDA Certificate of Registration

3.    BIR Certificate of Registration (BIR Form 2303) reflecting:

• The registered business/tradename to be used; and

• The line of business / PSIC indicating e-commerce activity (examples appear in the guideline)

4.    List of digital platforms/websites used for online sales

5.    Valid government-issued ID of the applicant/authorized representative

6.    A step-by-step guide describing your internal redress mechanism (how you receive, handle, and resolve customer complaints)

How much is a DTI Trustmark? How long is it valid?

Fees depend on company size and assets, with a free initial registration fee for DTI-registered micro enterprises.

Below is a breakdown:

Micro (≤ ₱3M assets): total ₱130 

Small (₱3,000,001 to ₱15M assets): total ₱630 

Medium (> ₱15M assets): ₱1,130 

The Trustmark is valid for one (1) year.

How will our customers know if our Trustmark is real?

Your DTI Trustmark will have a unique security number and a QR code that redirects to the official Trustmark site for verification of legitimacy and business details.

DTI’s guidelines also state that Trustmark holders are listed in a publicly accessible Online Business Database (OBD), and the QR should direct users to the holder’s OBD entry.

A quick guide on how to apply:

1.    Prepare your documents (DTI/SEC/CDA registration, BIR 2303, list of platforms, ID, redress mechanism guide).

2.    Create an account on the DTI Trustmark website.

3.    Complete the online application and upload the documents.

4.    DTI evaluates the application (DTI indicates a 7-working-day review window once complete).

5.    If approved, you receive a Statement of Account and instructions for payment.

6.    After payment confirmation, DTI issues your:

• Trustmark badge (with security number + QR code), and

• An electronic Trustmark Certificate.

7.    Display your Trustmark properly across your selling channels

If you’re working toward a DTI Trustmark, the fastest way to avoid delays is to make sure your basics are complete: correct business registration, BIR registration (Form 2303), and a clear customer complaint/refund process. Permitly helps you organize these requirements, prepare the standard documents, and track what’s still missing, so you can move from “planning to sell online” to “Trustmark-ready.”