DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) Tutorial
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is the Philippine government agency responsible for business registration, consumer protection, and trade promotion. If you're starting a sole proprietorship business, DTI is where you register your business name. This guide covers everything you need to know about DTI services.
What You'll Learn
- How to register a business name (sole proprietorship) with DTI
- How to renew your business name registration
- Requirements, fees, and step-by-step processes
- How to use the BNRS (Business Name Registration System) online
- How to file consumer complaints
- MSME support programs and Negosyo Center services
What is DTI?
The Department of Trade and Industry is the executive department of the Philippine government responsible for realizing the country's goal of a globally competitive and innovative industry and services sector. For entrepreneurs, DTI is best known as the agency where sole proprietors register their business names.
Key Functions
- Business Name Registration: Registration of sole proprietorship business names through the Business Name Registration System (BNRS)
- Consumer Protection: Handling consumer complaints, enforcing fair trade laws, and monitoring prices of basic necessities
- Trade Promotion: Promoting Philippine products and services in domestic and international markets
- MSME Development: Supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises through the Negosyo Center and various programs
- Industry Regulation: Setting standards and enforcing product quality and safety
- Investment Promotion: Attracting foreign and domestic investment through the Board of Investments (BOI)
DTI Services Overview
| Service | Purpose | Typical Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Business Name Registration | Register a sole proprietorship business name | P200 - P2,000 |
| Business Name Renewal | Renew existing business name registration | P200 - P2,000 |
| Consumer Complaint | File a complaint against a business or product | Free |
| Negosyo Center Assistance | Business counseling and one-stop-shop services | Free |
| Product Standards Certification | Philippine Standard (PS) or Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) | Varies |
| Fair Trade Mediation | Mediation for trade disputes | Free |
Business Registration Types
👤 Sole Proprietorship (DTI)
- Owned by one person only
- Register business name at DTI
- Simplest and cheapest to set up
- Owner has unlimited personal liability
- Valid for 5 years (renewable)
- Most common for small businesses
👥 Partnership (SEC)
- Two or more persons as partners
- Register at SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission)
- Shared profits and liabilities
- Requires Articles of Partnership
- General or limited partnership types
- Needs a partnership agreement
🏢 Corporation (SEC)
- Separate legal entity from owners
- Register at SEC
- Minimum 1 incorporator (One Person Corporation) or 2-15 incorporators
- Limited liability for stockholders
- Requires Articles of Incorporation
- More complex setup and compliance
🤝 Cooperative (CDA)
- Owned by its members jointly
- Register at CDA (Cooperative Development Authority)
- At least 15 members required
- Democratic decision-making
- Tax incentives for qualified cooperatives
- Governed by the Cooperative Code
How to Register a Business Name
Step 1: Check Name Availability
Search the BNRS (Business Name Registration System) online to check if your desired business name is available. The name must be unique and not similar to existing registered names.
Step 2: Register Online or Walk-in
Register through the BNRS website (bnrs.dti.gov.ph) or visit a DTI Provincial/Regional Office or Negosyo Center. Fill out the application form with your business details.
Step 3: Pay Registration Fee
Pay the registration fee based on your business scope: Barangay (P200), City/Municipality (P500), Regional (P1,000), or National (P2,000). Valid for 5 years.
Step 4: Receive Certificate
Receive your Certificate of Business Name Registration. This is your proof of legal business name ownership and is required for obtaining other permits (Mayor's Permit, BIR registration, etc.).
Quick Start Guide
Register Business Name
Step-by-step guide on registering your sole proprietorship business name with DTI.
Renew Business Name
How to renew your DTI business name registration before or after expiration.
Consumer Protection
File a complaint against defective products, misleading ads, or unfair business practices.
Important Information
- DTI is for sole proprietors only: If you have partners, register at SEC. If forming a cooperative, register at CDA
- Business name is valid for 5 years: You can choose 1-year or 5-year registration. Renew before expiration to keep your business name
- Online registration is available: Use the BNRS portal (bnrs.dti.gov.ph) for faster processing — available 24/7
- Next steps after DTI: After registering with DTI, you still need a Barangay Clearance, Mayor's Permit, and BIR registration to legally operate
- Negosyo Centers can help: DTI Negosyo Centers are located in malls and LGU offices nationwide — they offer free business counseling
- Keep your certificate safe: Your DTI Certificate is required when applying for other permits and opening a business bank account
- Name must be unique: DTI will reject names that are identical or confusingly similar to existing registered names
Need Help?
Contact DTI
- DTI Hotline: 1-DTI (1-384)
- Trunkline: (02) 8751-0384
- Email: ask@dti.gov.ph
- Website: www.dti.gov.ph
Disclaimer
This guide is provided for general informational purposes only. The requirements, steps, fees, and procedures mentioned here may vary depending on the DTI you visit. We recommend visiting your nearest DTI first to confirm the specific requirements and process before preparing your documents.