Philippines implements GHS for dangerous substances under IATA and IMDG list

In the Philippines, on March 11, 2020, the “Environment Management Bureau (EMB) MC No. 2020-009: Guidelines in the Implementation of Globally Harmonized System (GHS) Classification and Labeling Requirements for Chemicals Under IATA and IMDG” was published. This circular provides definitions, specific names of chemicals regulated by IATA and IMDG, which are listed as one of the regulated chemicals in the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Administrative Order No. 2015-09 stipulating the implementation of the GHS, as well as details on how to comply with the GHS. This circular would come into effect 15 days after publication in the general circulation newspaper and upon receipt by the ONAR (Office of the National Administrative Register).

The substances to be regulated are listed in Annex A of this Circular, with the substance name, CAS RN, UN dangerous goods number and dangerous goods classification. The order in which the substances are listed is numeric and alphabetical by chemical name. These regulated substances are for both reagent grades, technical or commercial grades. They are also considered pure substances if they are diluted with water.

For the regulated substances listed in Annex A of this circular, GHS-based labeling and SDSs are required in accordance with the Administrative Order No. 2015-09. Importers must require their suppliers to provide SDSs and properly label the packaging of the chemical substances. In addition, if the regulated substance is considered as waste, it must be managed in accordance with the DENR Administrative Order No. 2013-22 on hazardous waste management.

However, if the substance is used only in the preparation or manufacture of medicines, cosmetics, foods, or pesticides, it is exempted from the rules of this circular.

The original text of this circular can be downloaded below.
https://emb.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/EMB-MC-2020-009.pdf