The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has sounded the alarm over a surge of uncertified and substandard products being sold across major e-commerce platforms, warning that the trend threatens consumer safety and erodes confidence in the country’s rapidly expanding digital marketplace.
The agency said monitoring efforts have uncovered a growing number of online listings offering unlicensed, uncertified, and non-compliant goods. The development has prompted regulators to intensify surveillance and enforcement actions against erring sellers and digital storefronts.
Authorities also flagged the spread of illegal online gambling activities operating through digital platforms, calling the practice a violation of existing regulations and a direct risk to consumer welfare.
“The digital marketplace must operate as a safe and trusted environment, strictly adhering to applicable regulations, product standards and certification requirements,” the DTI said.
Online commerce has boomed in the Philippines in recent years as more consumers turn to digital platforms for daily purchases—from household goods to electronics and personal care products. But the agency warned that the rapid growth of online retail has also opened the door to questionable sellers and risky products entering the market.
To address the issue, the DTI is urging e-commerce platforms to tighten merchant verification processes and strengthen due diligence systems to prevent the listing of prohibited or non-compliant goods. Platforms were also called on to actively monitor and remove listings that violate consumer protection and safety regulations.
“As key digital intermediaries, platforms share the responsibility of proactively addressing listings that may violate safety regulations and consumer protection measures,” the agency said.
The department added it continues to coordinate with online platforms and other stakeholders to enforce the Internet Transactions Act of 2023 (RA 11967) and related fair trade laws.
Consumers, meanwhile, are urged to remain vigilant—buying only from verified sellers and choosing merchants displaying the E-Commerce Philippine Trustmark to help ensure safer online transactions.
