DTI issues rules on digital badges

MANILA, Philippines —  The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has issued the rules for the implementation of the e-commerce trustmark aimed at promoting safety in online transactions.

Department Administrative Order 25-07, issued by the DTI on June 27, provides the rules for the e-commerce Philippines trustmark or digital badge signifying that the holders’ products, goods, or services sold online are compliant with applicable standards and good e-commerce practices.

While the trustmark is not a license or a permit to engage in e-commerce, the DTI said its holder still has to comply with other applicable laws or regulations.

The application for the trustmark is voluntary, but the DTI is encouraging its use to promote a safe and more reliable digital trade.

“It is intended to build consumer confidence and promote adherence to standards in e-commerce by fostering a culture of trust and voluntary compliance with consumer protection policies,” the DTI said.

The trustmark is being developed by the DTI in line with the Internet Transactions Act.

The trustmark will be valid for one year from the date of issuance.

Holders of the trustmark will be able to enjoy incentives including streamlined access to the DTI’s programs and services; priority handling in processing of relevant DTI permits; consideration for future awards or citation; increased visibility through inclusion in DTI campaigns; as well as access to DTI-administered facilitation or redress mechanisms.

Applications for the trustmark will have to be submitted online through the trustmark registration portal and be reviewed by the E-Commerce Bureau.

To apply, the following should be provided: accomplished application form with a sworn undertaking to comply with the applicable laws, rules and regulations; business name registration; Bureau of Internal Revenue certificate of registration; list of digital platforms or websites used for online sales; valid government-issued ID;  a step-by-step guide on the applicant’s internal redress mechanism and payment of P1,000.

The DTI can suspend the trustmark based on the following grounds: fraud; gross or repeated violations, continued non-compliance following suspension; use of false, misleading or fraudulent information in the application or renewal; unauthorized transfer or display of trustmark on unregistered platforms; failure to comply with reporting, updating or renewal obligations; violation of consumer protection, fair trade or e-commerce laws; repeated or unresolved consumer complaints and refusal to cooperate with DTI monitoring, verification or enforcement activities.