The Trustmark is a government-issued digital badge for businesses that comply with RA11967. It is platform-neutral as it can be used across different online selling channels such as websites, social media, and even physical stores. The Trustmark emphasizes key principles such as:

• Legal compliance - adherence to applicable laws and regulations governing online business operations, including business registration, taxation, and data privacy, as required under the ITA and other related issuances;
• Consumer protection - implementation of safeguards to ensure fair treatment, safety, and the enforcement of consumer rights throughout online transactions;
• Transparency - clear, truthful and accessible disclosure of business identity, terms of sale, pricing, and relevant policies affecting consumer decisions; and
• Ethical digital business practices - fair, honest and responsible conduct in e-commerce, including accurate advertising, fulfillment of obligations, data protection, and responsiveness to consumer concerns.

In contrast, platform-issued badges are internal recognitions granted by e-commerce platforms based on performance indicators such as sales volume, customer ratings, and delivery efficiency. These apply only within the specific platform and are governed by its internal policies and criteria.

In summary, the Trustmark is issued by the DTI to entities engaged in internet transactions or e-commerce that adhere to applicable laws and issuances, while platform badges reflect performance within a particular marketplace.

Businesses engaged in internet transactions or e-commerce, as defined under RA11967, are eligible to apply for the Trustmark. This includes both business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) entities that engage in e-commerce, such as digital platforms, online merchants and e-retailers.

Trustmark holders enjoy several incentives designed to promote responsible online business practices. These include streamlined access to DTI programs and services such as micro, small and medium enterprise support, business matching, and market access opportunities.

Additionally, businesses may (1) participate in DTI-led trade fairs, training, and awareness campaigns, (2) gain increased visibility through official promotions, and (3) be considered for future awards or citations. Trustmark holders are also deemed compliant with DTI's redress mechanism requirement for consumer complaints, in line with existing laws and issuances.

To apply for the Trustmark, businesses must complete the online application form at the Trustmark website (https://trustmark.dti.gov.ph/) and submit the necessary supporting documents which include, but are not limited to, valid business registration name certificate from the DTI, business registration certificates from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), as applicable, and the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s Certificate of Registration reflecting the registered business or tradename to be used by the holder.

Applicants must also provide a list of digital platforms or websites used for online sales along with a valid government-issued ID card of the representative. Accepted government-issued IDs may be any of the following:

• 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

Lastly, applicants must submit a step-by-step guide detailing their business's internal redress mechanism—outlining how customer complaints are received, addressed and resolved in a timely and fair manner.

In line with the implementation of the E-Commerce Philippine Trustmark, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reiterates that the initial Trustmark registration fee is free for all DTI-registered micro enterprises. The registration fees are broken down as follows:

Micro enterprises with total assets of up to three million pesos have to pay the following to secure a Trustmark:

• ₱0 (free)
• ₱100 (web administration fee)
• ₱30 (documentary stamp)
• Total: ₱130

Small businesses with total assets of more than three million (₱3,000,001) to ₱15 million will be given a 50% discount on their initial registration fee. They will only have to pay the following:

• ₱500 (application fee)
• ₱100 (web administration fee)
• ₱30 (documentary stamp)
• Total: ₱630

Medium enterprises with total assets of more than ₱15 million (₱15,000,001) are required to pay the full fee:

• ₱1,000.00 (application fee)
• ₱100.00 (web administration fee)
• ₱30 (documentary stamp)
• Total: ₱1,130

The processing time is seven (7) working days from the submission of complete requirements, after which the certificate will be released upon confirmation of payment.

The Trustmark is valid for one (1) year from the date of issuance. To maintain its validity and benefits, renewal must be filed not earlier than three (3) months or no later than thirty (30) calendar days before the issued Trustmark's expiration date.

The Trustmark will feature an official digital badge prescribed by the DTI and include a unique fourteen-digit security number for verification.

Businesses granted the Trustmark must display it prominently on their official website, digital storefront, seller profile or product page to ensure visibility to customers. For those with physical stores, the Trustmark may also be posted in a noticeable area at their registered place of business—reinforcing their commitment to safe and trustworthy e-commerce practices.

Each Trustmark issued by the DTI includes a unique QR code that, when scanned, redirects consumers to the official DTI Trustmark website (https://trustmark.dti.gov.ph/) . There, they can confirm the authenticity of Trustmark and view verified business details such as the store name, registration information, and online platforms used.

If a business holding the Trustmark violates the rules or fails to comply with the standards, the DTI may impose a suspension or revocation of the Trustmark. Suspension applies to correctable or procedural issues, while revocation is reserved for serious cases such as fraud, repeated violations, misuse of the Trustmark, or refusal to cooperate with DTI investigations.

Violating businesses are given due notice and the opportunity to respond. If suspended or revoked, they (1) must immediately stop displaying the Trustmark, (2) will be removed from the official online database, and (3) lose access to all associated benefits. Reinstatement is possible—suspended businesses may be reconsidered after corrective actions, while revoked Trustmark may be reapplied for after six months, subject to DTI review.

The issuance of the Trustmark serves as verification of a business' compliance with legal and regulatory standards, providing consumers with greater assurance that they are transacting with a legitimate, accountable, and trustworthy seller—thereby enhancing safety and confidence in online commerce. Trustmark holders are obligated to disclose accurate and complete business information, ensure the protection of consumer data, issue official sales receipts, and maintain an accessible and responsive internal redress mechanism for consumer complaints.

Thus, the E-Commerce Philippine Trustmark promotes consumer protection by serving as a government-issued indicator of compliance with the minimum legal and regulatory standards set forth under the ITA and other relevant consumer protection laws. It does not constitute an endorsement or certification of quality for any specific business, product or service.

For concerns or reports of suspected misuse of the Trustmark, please reach out to the DTI E-Commerce Bureau through trustmark@dti.gov.ph or call (+632) 7791.3282 for assistance.