DTI, TikTok Shop partner for responsible e-commerce

The Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) E-Commerce Bureau (ECB) has partnered with TikTok Shop to promote responsible e-commerce practices as online buying and selling continues to expand rapidly across social media platforms in the Philippines.

Under a newly signed memorandum of understanding, the DTI-ECB and TikTok Shop agreed to collaborate on awareness and capacity-building initiatives to help online sellers comply with Republic Act No. 11967, also known as the Internet Transactions Act of 2023.

The joint initiatives include a webinar, short educational videos, and learning modules designed to guide platform sellers on their legal obligations and responsibilities in internet transactions under the new law.

The partnership officially launched with a webinar for TikTok Shop sellers streamed on Jan. 28, which garnered more than 179,000 views and introduced participants to the DTI ECB’s mandate and key programs supporting the implementation of Republic Act No. 11967 (Internet Transactions Act of 2023).

DTI ECB Director Eryl Royce Nagtalon said the collaboration reflects the government’s strategy of working with private platforms to strengthen compliance and professionalism in digital trade.

“Collaboration with a private e-commerce stakeholder such as TikTok Shop is a key initiative of the government to continuously enhance the skills and services of online sellers, including their awareness of their obligations and liabilities under the Internet Transactions Act and other regulatory requirements,” Nagtalon said.

TikTok Shop Head of Public Policy Yves Gonzalez said the partnership supports the shared goal of building a stronger and more sustainable e-commerce ecosystem.

“This understanding strengthens our common goal of building a more robust e-commerce sector by focusing on and prioritizing the continuous development of our sellers. Both TikTok Shop and DTI ECB recognize the positive change and impact that ongoing learning brings to our sellers, ultimately contributing to a vibrant and future-proof e-commerce ecosystem,” Gonzalez said.

The DTI said the initiative responds to emerging technologies and evolving e-commerce policies by promoting a resilient and future-ready digital environment through training programs that enhance seller skills and encourage responsible business practices.

For more information on DTI ECB programs and projects, stakeholders may contact the bureau via email at ecommerce@dti.gov.ph or by telephone at (+632) 7791.3282.