DTI's e-commerce Trustmark aims to protect consumers, boost trust in online shopping
Developed by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) under the Internet Transactions Act of 2023 (Republic Act 11967), the Trustmark is awarded to e-commerce entities that meet specific verification standards, such as having a valid business registration, physical address, and contact details.
'Ang purpose po ng Trustmark is para magkaroon ng assurance ng safety and security po dun sa transaction ng consumer at ng merchant,' said DTI Assistant Secretary for the E-Commerce Bureau Atty. Marcus Valdez II at the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon public briefing on Friday.
(The purpose of the Trustmark is to give assurance of safety and security in transactions between the consumer and the merchant.)
According to Valdez, the initiative addresses common concerns over fraudulent sellers and untraceable transactions by making it easier for consumers to identify trustworthy merchants.
'Kailangan po nating kriterya is meron ka pong address, meron ka pong contact details… saan ko pwedeng kausapin yung merchant kapag meron akong problema?' he noted.
(Criteria include having an address and contact details… so I know how to reach the merchant if I encounter a problem.)
Each Trustmark includes a QR code and security features, which link to an Online Business Database where consumers can check a seller's verified information. The database is accessible via trustmark.dti.gov.ph.
'Makikita rin ito sa website ng Trustmark. Ilalagay po namin dito yung mga merchant na na-verify na po namin,' Valdez pointed out.
(It will also appear on the Trustmark website. We will list merchants that we have already verified.)
Although application for the Trustmark is currently voluntary, the DTI is encouraging sellers to participate, highlighting potential benefits such as improved public credibility and consumer trust.
'We are encouraging all the merchants to get the Trustmark para po to tell everyone that it's safe to have your transactions with someone that you do not know and you cannot see,' he added.
(We encourage all merchants to apply so they can assure customers it's safe to transact even without physical contact.)
Valdez said that unlike private platform badges or 'preferred seller' labels designed to increase sales, the primary goal of the Trustmark is to create a safer and more reliable e-commerce environment.
To complement the Trustmark, the DTI is also launching an Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) system that will allow consumers and merchants—regardless of size—to resolve conflicts at no cost.
'Ito po ay magagamit ng mga merchants, maliit o malaki, for free... consumers and merchants can have their dialogue,' he noted.
(This can be used by both small and large merchants for free, to engage in dialogue with consumers.)
Merchants may apply through the DTI website by submitting required documents, including SEC, DTI, or CDA registration, BIR Form 2303, and business address. Applications are reviewed, and once approved, merchants receive their digital Trustmark badge and certificate.
He also emphasized that the Trustmark not only benefits domestic transactions but can also help Filipino sellers compete internationally by showing they are verified and supported by a government regulatory system.
'Kahit na hindi kilala yung merchant, at least alam ko na meron tayong matitrace… may government agency na tutulong,' he said.
(Even if I don't know the merchant, I'll know they are traceable—and that a government agency can help if needed.)
The DTI continues to encourage both consumers and merchants to use the platform responsibly.
'Huwag po natin gawing totoo yung 'budol is real.' Pag-isipan po natin maigi,' he added.
(Let's not make 'budol is real' a reality. Let's think carefully before making purchases.) –NB, GMA Integrated News
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