What’s happening
The Department of Trade and Industry’s E-Commerce Bureau (DTI-ECB) has partnered with TikTok Shop to help online sellers better understand and comply with Republic Act No. 11967, or the Internet Transactions Act of 2023.
The partnership was formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at strengthening compliance and promoting responsible digital trade across one of the country’s fastest-growing e-commerce platforms.
What’s coveredUnder the agreement, DTI-ECB and TikTok Shop will roll out awareness and capacity-building initiatives for platform sellers. These include webinars, short educational videos, and learning modules focused on seller obligations, consumer protection, and accountability in online transactions.
Kickoff event
The collaboration officially launched with a webinar streamed on Jan. 28 for TikTok Shop sellers.
The session drew more than 179,000 views and introduced DTI-ECB’s mandate, alongside key programs supporting the implementation of the Internet Transactions Act.
What they’re saying
In a statement, DTI-ECB Director Atty. Eryl Royce Nagtalon said partnering with private e-commerce platforms is crucial to continuously improving seller skills and awareness of regulatory requirements.
“Collaboration with a private e-commerce stakeholder such as TikTok Shop is a key initiative of the government to enhance the skills and services of online sellers, including their awareness of obligations and liabilities under the Internet Transactions Act,” Nagtalon said.
Industry view
TikTok Shop head of public policy Yves Gonzalez said the partnership aligns with the platform’s goal of developing sellers through ongoing education.
Both parties, he added, recognize the role of continuous learning in building a more robust, resilient, and future-ready e-commerce ecosystem. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
