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Recently, the Philippines' Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) consulted on a chemical control order (CCO) for vinyl chloride[1]. It will take effect fifteen days after publication.
The CCO sets the objectives of:
Reducing the risk of exposure to human health and the environment of vinyl chloride used in industrial processes;
Increasing awareness about the toxicity of vinyl chloride, and the availability of technically superior and safer alternatives;
Ensuring the proper implementation of the existing framework and appropriate prevention based programs to mitigate, reduce and eliminate risks from the use of vinyl chloride; and
Providing guidelines to identify potential vinyl chloride release/exposure in industrial facilities to reduce workers’ vinyl chloride exposure.
In the Philippines, vinyl chloride is included in the Priority Chemicals List (PCL). Once the order is approved, companies previously completed PCL certification or exemption of vinyl chloride are also subject to the CCO requirement. The obligations imposed by the CCO on vinyl chloride are as follows:
Enterprises that import, manufacture, distribute, use, treat, handle, transport, store, and dispose vinyl chloride shall register online through the Permitting and Monitoring System (OPMS) of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) and apply for permits for the activities.
The importers shall apply for the importation clearance, which is valid for six months. Importation clearances shall be issued per trade name of the chemical mixture.
The SDS and label of vinyl chloride shall be prepared according to GHS requirements promulgated by EMB.
The applicants shall submit a management plan to prove that the risks posed to the environment and health and safety will be eliminated or minimized.
