Exporters ask clarification on controlled chemicals IRR

EXPORTERS are seeking clarification from the Philippine National Police (PNP) on unresolved issues on the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) on Controlled Chemicals, noting these have adversely affected the competitiveness of the industry.

In a letter to PNP Police Director General Chief Oscar Albayalde, Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (PHILEXPORT) President Sergio OrtizLuis Jr. said these issues have remained pending since the approval of the IRR on June 2016.

The PNP is implementing the IRR on Controlled Chemicals pursuant to Section 4C and 4F of Presidential Decree No. 1866 on illegal possession of firearms and explosives, as amended by Republic Act (RA) No. 9516 approved on June 9, 2016.

“While we appreciate the objective of the IRR towards promoting and preserving national security, there are issues that have yet to be resolved which have adversely affected the competitiveness of the industry, particularly stakeholders in the housewares sector that use these regulated chemicals in their production,” said Ortiz-Luis.

The Export Development Council Networking Committee on Trade Policies and Procedures Simplification (NCTPPS), which is chaired by PHILEXPORT, underscored the need for the PNP to determine threshold quantity on controlled chemicals for micro and small enterprises (MSEs) and provide guidelines on its implementation.