The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced on Monday that the e-commerce law is now in full effect after its transitory period ended on Friday, June 20.

Republic Act No. 11967 (RA11967), or the Internet Transactions Act of 2023 (ITA) takes effect with strict rules and potential liabilities immediately enforceable for online merchants and digital platforms.

Under the law, all e-marketplaces, e-retailers, and online merchants must disclose the price, brand name, description, condition, and the seller's contact details for all goods and services offered.

It also stipulates that platforms must operate accessible and equitable consumer redress systems, secure payment methods, and robust data protection standards.

The act empowers the DTI to issue takedown orders against online listings for illegal goods or services.

Digital platforms can also be held liable with sellers for violations if they fail to act on illicit activities on their sites.

The DTI, through its E-Commerce Bureau, can now issue subpoenas that compel individuals and entities under investigation to produce relevant documents.

The Department clarified, however, that its authority is ancillary to the primary jurisdiction of other regulatory agencies over specific goods or services.

The agency said it is developing a Philippine E-Commerce Trustmark, which will act as a visible seal of quality for compliant and trustworthy online businesses.

The DTI urged consumers, merchants, and digital platforms to adhere to the law aimed to ensure that legitimate entrepreneurs and consumers are protected.