BIR pauses the online seal badge rule: what sellers do now

If you sell online in the Philippines, run a page as a creator, or offer services through social media, you have probably heard about the BIR's Registration Seal Badge. Many sellers were rushing to post it before 31 October.

That requirement is now on hold. Here is what happened and what we think you should do next.

What the rule was

The BIR introduced Registration Seal Badges in April 2026, under RMC 38-2026, as an alternative to posting a full Certificate of Registration (COR) on websites, online shops and business social media pages (Philippine Star, 26 Oct 2026). Showing the badge then became a requirement for people earning through digital platforms, such as online sellers, freelancers, service providers and content creators, with a compliance deadline of 31 October 2026.

The idea was simple: a visible sign that a seller is registered, which customers can scan to check. More than 52,700 certificates with seal badges had been issued as of 14 October, the Philippine Star reported.

What changed

On 26 October, the BIR announced Revenue Memorandum Circular 113-2026, signed by Commissioner Charlito Martin Mendoza. It suspends the mandatory display of the badge until further notice, along with the 31 October deadline (GMA News, 26 Oct 2026).

During the suspension, the Philippine Star reports that "no penalties will be imposed solely for non-display" (Philippine Star, 27 Oct 2026). Sellers who already show the badge may keep it up if they choose. The BIR says it will work with the National Privacy Commission (NPC) and consult taxpayers while it reviews the rule. No new deadline has been set.

The pause followed privacy concerns. GMA News reported that the NPC sent the BIR a Notice to Explain on 21 October, and that the two agencies met on 26 October (GMA News, 27 Oct 2026).

A note on circular numbers: some early reports mixed them up. The badge was introduced by RMC 38-2026 (written 038-2026 in some reports), and the suspension is RMC 113-2026. Check the BIR's own advisories before relying on any circular number.

The scam worry

The most interesting point in the coverage came from Scam Watch Pilipinas. GMA reports the group warned that a badge could be copied by fake sellers, the same way scammers already copy profile photos and pictures of real businesses. It asked the BIR to work with digital platforms on checks, such as linking registration records to real business accounts.

That is a fair point for every seller and every shopper. Any badge that is just an image can be screenshotted. A trust signal only works if people can check it.

What this means for your business

You are not off the hook on tax. The pause is about displaying the badge, not about registration. If you earn from online selling or content, you should still be registered with the BIR and keep your records in order.

Do not post your full Certificate of Registration instead. The whole debate was about personal information online. Posting a full COR photo to "be safe" exposes more of your details than the badge ever would.

Build trust in ways people can check. Shoppers want proof you are real. Things that are hard to fake include:

• a website on your own name with clear contact details and the area you serve;
• real reviews on Google or your selling platform, which link back to you;
• a clear returns and refund policy;
• the same business name across Facebook, Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop and your site.

What to do this week

1. If you already have the badge, it is your choice whether to keep it up. If it shows details you are not comfortable with, you can take it down while the rule is paused.
2. If you were about to post it, you can wait. Watch the BIR's announcements for the next step.
3. Check your registration is current. Make sure your business name and address on your BIR registration match what you use online.
4. Write a short "About us" section with your registered business name, where you operate and how to reach you. Keep personal details such as your home address off it.
5. Save this for later. When the BIR and the NPC agree on safeguards, the rule may return in a new form.

The short version

The BIR has suspended the requirement to show its seal badge online, and the 31 October deadline with it. There is no penalty just for not showing it while the pause lasts. Stay registered, keep your personal details private, and show customers you are real in ways they can actually check.

A Moon Websites site gives you a proper home online with your business details, your review links and an enquiries inbox; see what is included.