How is
GHS implemented in Philippines?

In the Philippines, the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, also commonly called GHS, is adapted through Administrative Order No. 2015-09, about the Rules and Procedures for the Implementation of GHS in Preparation of safety data sheets (SDS) and Labelling Requirements of Toxic Chemical Substances.

Thus, Administrative Order No. 2015-09 (known as DAO-2015-09), introduces the classification and communication systems of hazardous chemicals in accordance with the GHS in the Philippines.

What is DAO-2015-09?

DAO- 2015-09 is the adaptation of GHS Revision 4 in the Philippines.

DAO-2015-09 was issued on May 19, 2015, obligating all companies engaged in the production, handling and storage of industrial chemicals to comply with its requirements in a sequential manner: individual substances and mixture compounds covered under the Chemical Control Order (CCO) and the Priority Chemical List (PCL) in 2016; chemicals produced on a large scale (>500 tons/year) in 2017; hazardous chemicals under IATA and IMDG in 2018; and chemical mixtures in 2019.

The lead official agency responsible for GHS adaptation in the Philippines is the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Some chemicals, such as cosmetics, pesticides and pharmaceuticals are not covered under DAO-2015-09.

What are the most relevant points of DAO-2015-09?

• SDS must be in English.
• SDS must be updated at least every 5 years or when changes in the composition of the product that may affect the classification of the substances are known.
• SDS must follow the 16-section structure specified in the GHS guidelines.
• The following hazards are not covered by DAO-2015-09: liquids under pressure, desensitized explosives, pyrophoric gases, the distinction between categories 1A and 1B for flammable gases, oxidizing gases, skin corrosion category 1 and eye irritation category 2.
• Hazardous product labelling must contain the following elements: product identifier, supplier information, pictograms, signal words and hazard and precautionary statements.

What other chemical requirements apply to Philippines?

The Philippine Inventory of Chemicals and Chemical Substances (PICCS) is a list of all chemicals and chemical substances used, imported, distributed, processed, manufactured, stored, treated, exported or transported in the Philippines. The first PICCS listing was issued in 1995 by the DENR and has been updated over the years.

• Products and substances included in this list do not need to be notified or authorized as long as they are not considered PCL List nor CCO.
• The term “new chemical” refers to chemicals not included in the PICCS.
• The following substances are exempted from being included in PICCS and its restrictions: non-chemical substances, natural substances or mixtures, radioactive substances, pesticides, drugs, foodstuffs, cosmetics, consumer products that are regulated by other laws in the Philippines, by-products and small quantity chemicals manufactured or distributed (not imported) for market testing and research and development in quantities of less than 1,000 kg per year.

The Pre-Manufacturing And Pre-Importation Notification (PMPIN) is mandatory for new chemicals manufactured or imported into the Philippines. It is also mandatory for chemicals that are placed on the market in a volume greater than or equal to 1000 kg per year, and for chemicals that are to be used with a new use.

• PMPIN must be conducted by manufacturers and importers 180 to 90 days prior to manufacturing/importing the new chemical.

Cosmetics are regulated under the Department of Health through the Act No. 9711, which is based on the FDA's 2009 Act. Under this Act, cosmetics are categorized as household hazardous products. All cosmetic companies must obtain a License to Operate (LTO) before manufacturing, importing, distributing and exporting cosmetics.

Pesticides are regulated by Presidential Decree No. 1144 of the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) of the Philippines. In parallel, the FPA also issues various supplementary policies for the regulation of pesticides. In the Philippines, pesticides intended for commercial use have to be registered in one of three categories: proprietary products, commodity products or third-party products. Each registration is valid for three years and can be extended by applying for a renewal three months before its expiry date.

To ensure compliance with legislation it is important to have an effective tool.

SIAM offers Chemeter, an intuitive and user-friendly software software that automatically generates safety data sheets (SDS), e-FDS, ADR documentation, PCN dossiers and sector-specific documentation in accordance with the requirements of each country. So you can keep your documents up to date and comply with current regulations easily and effectively.

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