DTI registration for online sellers: What You Need to Know

DTI registration for online sellers is now mandatory in the Philippines following a new Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) directive aimed at regulating e-commerce and protecting consumers in the digital marketplace.

DTI Registration for Online Sellers: Covered Products

Under Department Administrative Order (DAO) 25-02, approved on Feb. 21, 2025, online merchants and e-retailers are now required to register with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) before selling covered products in the Philippines.

Products subject to mandatory certification must carry either a Philippine Standard (PS) mark or an Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) certificate, demonstrating that they conform to national quality and safety standards. The DTI says this registration requirement is intended to help “ensure the quality and safety of all products sold or ordered for sale in the Philippines.”

Phased Implementation Schedule
The registration process will be rolled out in phases:

• 90 days after the DAO takes effect: Online merchants selling household appliances and consumer electronics must register.
• May 2025: Registration opens for sellers of lighting and wiring products, steel goods, plastic pipes, and ceramic products.
• June 2025: Registration begins for sellers of chemical products, automotive-related items, and other covered consumer products. Once a seller registers successfully, the DTI will issue a Certificate of Online Registration (COR), which serves as proof of compliance. Register with DTI Negosyo

Registration Requirements and Compliance
To obtain the COR, applicants must submit several documents, including:

• A completed application form with an undertaking to comply with COR terms
• A certified true copy of business registration with DTI, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), or the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA)
• A list of online platforms where the seller operates
• A vicinity map of physical stores, warehouses, and stockrooms
• Copies of PS or ICC certificates for products covered by mandatory certification
• Valid identification of the applicant

Online sellers must also notify the Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS) of any changes in product offerings or business addresses. The DTI has said that if a registered merchant is found selling uncertified products, their certificate will be automatically revoked. How to Register Your Business with DTI

Responsibilities of Digital Marketplaces

The DAO also places obligations on e-marketplaces and digital platforms to ensure that all sellers offering products under mandatory certification are properly registered and legally compliant. Platforms that fail to monitor and enforce registration requirements may face penalties, including administrative or criminal sanctions as provided by law.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Online merchants who do not register with the DTI as required by the order can receive a notice of suspension of their online operations. This enforcement measure underscores the government’s commitment to improving consumer protection in the digital economy.

What This Means for Online Sellers

As e-commerce continues to expand in the Philippines, the new registration requirement aims to bring greater accountability and transparency to online business operations, particularly for products that have direct safety implications for consumers. By formalizing the registration process, the DTI is seeking to strengthen trust in the digital marketplace and promote higher standards for online sellers.

Key Points to Remember

• The DTI has mandated registration for online sellers of consumer products requiring certification.
• This includes household appliances, electronics, and other regulated goods.
• Registration is phased by product category and will be enforced through the DTI’s online portal.
• Failure to comply may lead to suspension of online selling privileges.

Businesses affected by DTI registration for online sellers are encouraged to complete compliance early to avoid penalties and certificate revocation.