DTI enforces price tag policy amid booming online business

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has tightened its watch over the booming e-commerce transactions in the country.

It warned business owners and establishments to disclose prices in compliance with the Fair Trade Laws.

To strengthen the implementation of the Price Act and Consumer Act, the DTI, Department of Agriculture, Department of Health, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Intellectual Property Office and National Privacy Commission have recently issued the Joint Administrative Order 22-01, consolidating all existing rules and guidelines on online businesses.

The provisions of JAO 22-01 reiterate laws that apply to the establishments’ responsibility to comply with the requirements of price tags on products and services of physical and online stores.

“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,” says DTI – Consumer Protection Group Undersecretary Atty. Ruth Castelo.

Several months ago, the DTI launched an online campaign against the “PM Sent (Private Message) culture.”

The “PM Sent culture” is the shady practice of online sellers who send private messages to consumers inquiring on the price of a product.

The campaign emphasizes that online vendors who conceal prices as a marketing strategy can be fined and/or imprisoned, according to Article 95 of Republic 7394.

The fine ranges from P200 to P5,000 while imprisonment can last from one month to six months.