Brief Introduction to the Regulations for the Management of Chemicals in Philippines (PICCS & PMPIN)

Rules and regulations for the management of chemicals in Philippines are "Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990" (RA 6969) and “Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 6969” (DAO 29) released by Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Those regulations cover the importation, manufacture, processing, handling, storage, transportation, sale, distribution, use and disposal of all unregulated chemical substances and mixtures in the Philippines, including those substances for export only after importing.

RA 6969 and DAO 29 require all manufacturers and importers of a new chemical or an existing chemical with new uses to submit a pre-manufacturing or pre-importation notification (PMPIN) to DENR-EMB. The substance to be notified shall be identified, screened and evaluated. The objective of Chemical Control Orders (CCO) is to ensure chemicals that would pose an unreasonable risk to human health or environment are well regulated. They’re to be restricted, substituted or banned according to intrinsic properties .

Philippine Inventory of Chemicals and Chemical Substances (PICCS)

The Philippine Inventory of Chemicals and Chemical Substances, also known as the PICCS, has up to now included over 44000 existing chemicals. PICCS will be updated on a regular basis and all the new substances with PMPIN certifications will also be included into the inventory. Before enterprises manufacture or import chemical substances that have already been included into the PICCS, they should apply for PICCS Certification. PICCS can be searched here free of charge.

PMPIN

Chemicals not in PICCS are new substances which should be notified under PMPIN before manufacture or import. The aim of notification is to screen the hazardous substances when new substances enter into the Philippine market.

(1) Notification type:

a. Abbreviated PMPIN

PMPIN Abbreviated Form can be used when a new chemical to be manufactured or imported is being used in other countries without limitation. In addition, sufficient information about this substance posing no unreasonable risk shall be submitted by the notifier.

b. Detailed PMPIN:

PMPIN Detailed Form can be used when the manufacturer or importer cannot adequately demonstrate the safety of the new chemical or when DENR-EMB determines that the information submitted does not contain sufficient documentation to enable DENR-EMB to determine the safety of the new chemical.

(2) Notification time:

Not sooner than 180 days and not later than 90 days prior to the import or manufacture of new substances.

(3) Applicant:

The manufacturers or importers within the territory of Philippines

(4) Notification fee

Including administration fee, test fee (if required), notarization fee, and consulting service fee, etc.

(5) Obligation after notification:

After the substance is imported or manufactured for the first time, enterprise shall submit a Notice of Commencement to the authority. Only new chemical substances with Notice of Commencement will be added into PICCS. A substance claimed CBI will be listed in the PICCS confidential part.

(6) Exemption to PMPIN Rules:

Small enterprise, small quantity chemicals, certain polymers, non-isolated intermediates, chemicals substances included in PICCS, articles, new chemical manufactured exclusively for export, etc.

Small Quantity Importation (SQI)

The new chemical substances, of which the import volume is lower than 1000 kg/year, are required to conduct SQI Notification. After notification, all documents of the importation shall be kept. The documents shall be submitted within 60 days after arrival of shipment. In addition, an annual report shall also be submitted to EMB Central Office not later than 15 days after the calendar year.

Our Services:

• PICCS Inquiry
• PICCS Certification Application
• PMPIN for new substance Application
• Exemption Application for Polymer
• SQI Application
• Philippines Chemical Regulation Consulting Service