Philippines Issues Chemical Control Order for Benzene

The Philippines’ Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), issued Department Administrative Order No. 2026-29: Chemical Control Order (CCO) for Benzene (DAO-2026-29) on June 22, 2026.

This Order adds benzene (C₆H₆, CAS RN 71-43-2) as a newly regulated substance under the Chemical Control Order (CCO). Benzene had previously been presented in draft form through the first edition issued in 2022 and the second edition issued in 2025. The Order applies to businesses that handle benzene and benzene-containing mixtures, including importers, distributors, manufacturers, industrial users, and commercial users.