DTI Trustmark for Online Sellers: Will It Stay Voluntary?

DTI Considers Permanent Voluntary Trustmark for Online Sellers

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is considering making its trustmark policy for online sellers permanently voluntary. This digital badge signifies compliance with e-commerce, consumer protection, and data privacy standards, and can be verified through a QR code.

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque stated that the policy is currently voluntary until the end of the year, but this may be extended. The DTI will also assess how the policy impacts online sellers already adhering to it.

Roque emphasized the importance of protecting consumers, noting, "There are so many problems in e-commerce sites, with vendors. It's the consumers who suffer," referring to the proliferation of fake or illegal products sold online.

Initial Implementation and Seller Concerns

The DTI previously issued a policy mandating online sellers to apply for the trustmark digital badge for display on their websites or e-commerce pages. However, initial implementation made obtaining the trustmark voluntary.

Many sellers have complained that the new policy adds another layer of difficulty for small businesses and incurs additional expenses. For micro and small businesses, the application fee is waived for the first year, but larger businesses must pay P1,130. The trustmarks are valid for one year.

Comparison to FDA Approval and Future Discussions

Roque compared the trustmark to a certification of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval, stating, "People would still rather buy FDA-approved medicines than those that are not FDA approved."

She plans to raise the issue in upcoming meetings with representatives of e-commerce platforms and will also inquire about the additional P5 transaction fee that some platforms pass on to customers.