How to place chemical products on the market in the Philippines

The Philippines has a comprehensive regulatory framework to manage chemical safety, air quality and climate action. If you're planning to place a product on the market or operate in the country, understanding the key regulations is essential for compliance.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

The preparation and maintenance of SDS in the Philippines is governed by Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Administrative Order 2015-09, which sets out the rules and procedures for implementing the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals. Under this order, manufacturers and importers are required to prepare SDS in English ensuring they fully align with GHS format and content.

Key compliance points include:

• SDS must include GHS-aligned information on classification, labelling, physical and health hazards, and safe handling procedures.
• Update frequency: SDS must be reviewed and updated at least every five years, or sooner if new hazard information becomes available or the product changes.

These requirements reflect a broader regional shift toward harmonized chemical safety standards. For instance, in September 2024, the Peruvian Ministry of Environment submitted draft ‘Regulations of Legislative Decree No. 1570’ to the WTO Technical Barriers to Trade Committee.

These draft regulations establish the implementation framework for Peru’s Law on the Comprehensive Management of Chemical Substances, including the mandatory adoption of GHS. This development signals a growing international alignment on chemical hazard communication, reinforcing the importance of maintaining robust, GHS-compliant SDS across jurisdictions.

Emergency response information

A critical component of the SDS for the Philippines is the emergency response contact information. This is outlined in Section 1 of the SDS, which must include:

• Emergency telephone number: A phone number located in the Philippines must be provided.
• Availability: If the emergency response number is not available 24/7, the restricted hours of availability must be clearly stated.

This requirement ensures that in the event of a chemical emergency, responders can quickly access necessary information and support.

Industry-specific regulations & support

In addition to the general chemical safety requirements, companies in the Philippines must also consider regulations specific to air quality and climate action.

Air quality regulations

The Philippine Clean Air Act (Republic Act No. 8749) requires industries to monitor and report air emissions. Businesses must comply with emissions limits set by the DENR and implement measures to improve air quality, such as adopting cleaner technologies and practices.

Climate action and carbon pricing

The Philippines has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions through the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. Companies must track and report their emissions and may need to participate in carbon pricing schemes, such as carbon taxes or cap-and-trade systems, as they are rolled out.

Clean air action planning

For companies involved in air quality management, Clean Air Action Plans (CAAP) focus on reducing pollution through the adoption of cleaner fuels and technologies. These plans also include scenario testing to assess the impact of different pollution control measures.

Vulnerability & risk assessments

Given the Philippines' exposure to climate-related risks, businesses may be required to conduct Vulnerability and Risk Assessments (VRA) to evaluate the impact of climate change on their operations and supply chains.

Ricardo: supporting compliance

Ricardo's Chemical Risk and Air Quality teams offer expertise in navigating Philippine regulations. We can assist with:

• Drafting and updating SDS in compliance with local GHS requirements.
• Submitting and maintaining emergency response information in line with DENR regulations.
• Clean air action planning
• Vulnerability and risk assessments 
• Emissions reporting and corporate sustainability including ESG.

Whether you are entering the Philippine market or updating existing product portfolios, Ricardo provides the technical support you need to stay compliant with national standards.