ARTICLE
"Coach, sa FB at TikTok lang naman ako nagbebenta. Kailangan ko pa ba ng permit?"
Short answer: oo. Selling online is still a business. The good news is that the steps are simpler than many people think, and doing them early protects you as your sales grow.
This isn't legal or tax advice. Think of it as a friendly checklist from someone who has spent 35 years helping businesses grow. For your exact case, check with DTI, your city hall and BIR.
Why this matters now
The Internet Transactions Act (RA 11967) covers businesses that sell online, including sellers on social media and marketplaces. Its goal is to protect buyers and build trust in online selling.
Under it, DTI runs the E-Commerce Trustmark, a sign that shows buyers you are a registered, legit seller. According to DTI, the Trustmark is voluntary until December 31, 2026, and it's free for micro businesses (assets up to ₱3 million). That's a good reason to sort out your papers this month instead of next year.
The basic order of registration
Here is the usual sequence for a solo online seller:
- DTI business name registration (for sole proprietors), done online. If you have a partner or a corporation, you register with SEC instead.
- Barangay clearance from the barangay where your business is based, even if it's your home.
- Mayor's permit / business permit from your city or municipality. Requirements vary per LGU, so call or check their website first.
- BIR registration. Register your business, get your official invoices and books, and learn which tax returns you need to file. Good news: the ₱500 annual registration fee was removed under the Ease of Paying Taxes Act (RA 11976).
- Optional but smart: apply for the DTI E-Commerce Trustmark while it's free for micro businesses.
If you sell food, cosmetics or health products, you may also need FDA requirements. Check before you scale.
"Pero maliit lang ang benta ko"
I hear this a lot. Three reasons to register anyway:
- Trust. Buyers, especially corporate clients ordering Christmas giveaways, ask for official invoices.
- Growth. Banks, government loan programs and malls ask for permits. Hindi ka makakakuha ng puhunan kung wala kang papeles.
- Peace of mind. It's much easier to start right than to fix years of unregistered sales later.
Simple habits for online sellers
- Show your business name on your page, not just your nickname.
- Write clear terms: delivery time, returns, refunds.
- Keep a daily sales log, even in a notebook or spreadsheet.
- Separate your business and personal e-wallet so you know what you really earn.
One line to remember
"Online man o pwesto, negosyo pa rin 'yan. Ayusin ang papeles habang maliit pa."
Your turn: Online seller ka ba? Alin sa mga permit ang pinakanakakalito para sa'yo? Ask in the comments and I'll answer as many as I can.
Need help putting your business in order? Book a free Business Health Check with me at butzbartolome.com/book-now.
Related reading: Business Name vs. Brand Name: Why Your DTI or SEC Permit Doesn't Mean You Own Your Brand
About the author Armando "Butz" Bartolome, The Franguru, has 35 years in business and has helped 350+ brands. He is the founder of GMB Franchise Developers, which helps Filipino businesses build franchise systems. Learn more at gmb.ph.
© 2026 Armando "Butz" Bartolome and GMB Franchise Developers. All rights reserved. Sharing the link is welcome; copying or republishing without written permission and credit is not allowed.