The Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources has introduced separate Chemical Control Orders for vinyl chloride and benzene. DENR Administrative Order No. 2026-28 covers vinyl chloride, while DENR Administrative Order No. 2026-29 covers benzene.

Both Orders were signed on 22 June 2026 and published on 24 September 2026. Their commencement is governed by the respective effectivity provisions concerning publication and filing with the Office of the National Administrative Register.

Legal Basis and Scope

The Orders were issued under Republic Act No. 6969 and DENR Administrative Order No. 1992-29. They establish substance-specific controls applying to activities such as manufacture, importation, distribution, use and handling.

A company holding an existing Priority Chemical List compliance certificate or exemption should not assume that its existing document satisfies the new requirements. The Environmental Management Bureau has advised affected entities to apply for registration under the applicable Chemical Control Order.

Vinyl Chloride Controls

Vinyl chloride is primarily used as a monomer in the production of polyvinyl chloride. The CCO is particularly relevant to vinyl chloride importers, polymerization facilities and companies using or handling vinyl chloride within the Order’s scope.

Businesses should review the official text for registration, import, handling and use conditions, including provisions that may affect its use as an aerosol ingredient or propellant. Any phase-out or exemption provision should be applied only to the activities expressly covered by the Order.

Benzene Controls

Benzene is used in industrial chemical production and may also occur in mixtures or as an impurity. Companies should examine coatings, adhesives, inks, cleaning products and other preparations against the concentration thresholds and uses specified in DAO 2026-29.

A reported threshold applying to certain benzene-containing mixtures should not be generalized to all products or industrial activities. The official Order should be consulted before determining whether a formulation is covered.

Industry Impact

Manufacturers and importers should review substance identity, annual volume, mixture composition, intended use and existing PCL documentation. Foreign suppliers should coordinate with their Philippine importers before shipment to confirm CCO registration and any import-clearance requirements.