DTI: “We are firm in enforcing these laws, especially on the requirement of price tags, to ensure consumers’ right to choose quality products at reasonable prices.”
DTI — The Department of Trade and Industry has tightened the price tag rule on e-commerce.
On Wednesday, the Department of Trade and Industry said that business owners and online sellers should post the prices of their services and products instead of sending private messages (PM) to customers.
The agency said that business owners and establishments should disclose prices in compliance with the Fair Trade Laws.
According to the DTI Consumer Protection Group, both physical and online store owners must Consumer Act of the Philippines which requires appropriate labels, tags, or markings that indicate the prices of consumer products sold in retail. Those products must not be sold at higher prices than stated, the DTI said.
READ ALSO: DTI Reminds Online Sellers Not To Say ‘PM Sent’, Says ‘Hindi Cool’
The agency added that the DTI, Department of Health (DOH), Department of Agriculture (DA), Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and National Privacy Commission (NPC) have recently issued the Joint Administrative Order No. 22-01, consolidating all existing rules and guidelines on online businesses in order to strengthen the implementation of the Price Act and Consumer Act.
DTI Consumer Protection Group (CPG) Undersecretary Ruth Castelo said that they are firm in enforcing those laws, especially on the requirement of price tags, in order to ensure consumers’ right to choose quality products at reasonable prices.
“We are firm in enforcing these laws, especially on the requirement of price tags, to ensure consumers’ right to choose quality products at reasonable prices,” Castelo said.
The agency warned online sellers who insist on sending private messages (PM) to consumers inquiring about the price of a product can be fined and imprisoned.
According to the agency, fines range from PHP 200 to PHP 5,000 while imprisonment can last from 1 month to 6 months.
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