Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is the executive department of the Philippine government responsible for the advancement, promotion, governance, regulation, management, and growth of industry and trade. DTI serves as the primary coordinative, promotive, facilitative, and regulatory arm of government for the country's trade, industry, and investment activities.

Core Mandate

DTI acts as a catalyst for private sector activity to accelerate and sustain economic growth through:

A comprehensive industrial growth strategy
A progressive and socially responsible liberalization and deregulation program
Policies designed for the expansion and diversification of both domestic and foreign trade

The department aims to achieve a global position for the country's export sector, develop micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and create a harmonized investment facilitation framework to identify priority investments.

Key Services

DTI provides the following services relevant to business operations in the Philippines:

Business Name Registration – Issues Certificates of Business Name Registration for sole proprietorships through the Business Name Registration System (BNRS)
Consumer Protection – Enforces consumer rights and handles complaints
Trade Promotion – Facilitates export development and investment promotions
MSME Development – Supports small businesses through Negosyo Centers and various programs
Product Standards and Conformance – Sets quality standards for products sold in the Philippine market
Fair Trade Enforcement – Monitors pricing and trade practices

DTI and Real Estate Brokerage

For real estate service practitioners operating as sole proprietors, DTI registration is a mandatory first step before engaging in brokerage activities. You must secure a DTI Certificate of Business Name Registration before applying for:

Barangay Business Clearance
Mayor's Permit or Business Permit
BIR Certificate of Registration (Form 2303)

The DTI Certificate confirms your legal identity as a business entity and protects your chosen trade name from unauthorized use by others.

How to Register a Business Name with DTI

Visit the BNRS Portal or any Negosyo Center
Search for your proposed business name to check availability
Complete the application form with owner information
Pay the registration fee (ranges from PHP 200 to PHP 2,000 depending on territorial scope)
Receive your Certificate of Business Name Registration

Registration validity is five (5) years and must be renewed before expiration.

Jurisdiction

DTI operates nationwide through:

Central Office in Makati City
16 Regional Offices covering all administrative regions
Provincial and Municipal offices
Negosyo Centers in cities and municipalities
30+ Foreign Trade Service Corps offices worldwide

Official Resources

Website: www.dti.gov.ph
BNRS Portal: bnrs.dti.gov.ph
Hotline: 1-DTI (384) or (632) 7791-3100
Email: ask@SKIP_4

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)