The Philippines recently released the Draft of Chemical Control Order (CCO) for Benzene and the Second Draft of CCO for Vinyl Chloride. In February 2022, the authority has consulted on the First Draft of CCO for Vinyl Chloride (ChemLinked has covered it, click here to see more). These two CCOs will take effect 15 days after publication in the newspaper of general circulation.
The CCOs for both substances are formulated to reduce the risk of exposure to human health and the environment and ensure the proper implementation of the existing framework and appropriate prevention-based programs to mitigate, reduce and eliminate risks from the use of these two substances.
The CCOs have stipulated the application scope, prohibited use and major obligations of both substances. Below are details of them:
| Draft Order | Application scope | Prohibited use | Obligations |
| CCO for Benzene | 1. Importers 2. Distributors 3. Manufacturers 4. Industrial Users 5. Commercial Users 6. Waste Service Providers (TSD Facilities and Hazardous Waste Transporters) | 1. Paints, varnishes, coatings, solvents, and thinners 2. Glues, cement, and rubber goods 3. Solutions for textiles, fabrics, and leathers 4. Inks and dyes 5. Cleaning and degreasing agents | 1. Enterprises involved in the import, manufacture, transport, storage, distribution, treatment, use, recycling of benzene/ vinyl chloride, or those with existing Priority Chemical List (PCL) Compliance Certificate/PCL exemptions shall register through the Online Permitting and Monitoring System (OPMS) and secure the corresponding registration certificate. 2. Importers of benzene/ vinyl chloride shall apply for importation clearance through OPMS. The validity will stay for 6 months. 3. Applicants shall provide management plans on how to eliminate or minimize the risks of benzene/ vinyl chloride to human health and the environment as well as contingency and emergency plan. 4. The SDS and label shall be prepared in accordance with GHS requirements. |
| CCO for Vinyl Chloride | 1. Importers 2. Distributors 3. Manufacturers, processors, and industrial users 4. Transporters 5. Treatment, Storage and Disposal (TSD) Facilities 6. Laboratory Facilities | This Order prohibits use of vinyl chloride in aerosols as a propellant or ingredient. |
