The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said Thursday that registration for the E-Commerce Philippine Trustmark, initially mandatory, will now be voluntary until Dec. 31, 2025.
The shift reflects the agency’s openness to feedback from stakeholders, with ongoing consultations key to improving the system, according to DTI Secretary Cristina Roque.
“Taking their feedback into account means we can improve the Trustmark system to be more useful, fair and helpful for both businesses and consumers,” Roque said at the “BIDA ANG KONSYUMER: Ensuring a Safe and Reliable E-Commerce Environment” Town Hall Meeting on Oct. 15, 2025.
“After all, our shared goal is to make e-commerce in the Philippines safer and more trustworthy for everyone,” said Roque.
The DTI held the meeting to discuss the program’s implementation with online business operators, consumer groups and digital trade advocates.
The voluntary period will run until end of 2025, after which the DTI will review whether to maintain or revise the policy by early 2026.
The agency stressed that all existing e-commerce laws would continue to be strictly enforced during this period.
Consumer groups and business organizations welcomed the initiative for its potential to enhance buyer protection and curb fraudulent online activities.
Both sectors called for stronger promotion and education campaigns and expressed support for making registration mandatory in the future.
The DTI is finalizing the program’s supplemental guidelines, which will include details on voluntary registration procedures and corresponding fees based on business size or type.
Online businesses may continue applying for the Trustmark in the meantime.
 has made registration for the E-Commerce Philippine Trustmark voluntary until December 31, 2025, in response to stakeholder feedback. The move aims to improve online safety and trust for both businesses and consumers.){kind=link}