MEMO FOR : SKP

FROM : LEGIS-JVQ
RE : Briefer on PVC Labeling Act of 2016
DATE : July 31, 2018

Senate Bill
No. 551

Title AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR A MANDATORY LABELING OF
POLYVINYL CHLORIDE (PVC) PRODUCTS AND
FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Short Title PVC Labeling Act of 2016

Objective To protect public health and warn the public about the
risk of potentially harmful exposures from DEHP
found in PVC products used in medical devices, toys
and other materials.

Definition Diethylhexyl Phtalate or DEHP: A softener for

of Terms polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a plastic polymer used in a
wide array of products. Unplasticized PVC is hard and
brittle at room temperature. A plasticizer (softener) is
typically added to increase the flexibility of the
polymer. DEHP is the plasticizer for most PVC
medical devices.

Salient All manufacturers are required to put proper labels in their

Features products to caution the public on the potential harm of
DEHP and PVC contained therein. It must be visible and
should be clearly printed in the product label.

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  What must be labeled:

 All PVC products including medical devices

that may cause exposure to DEHP.

 What the label must contain:

 A cautionary statement stating the presence or

lack thereof of DEHP

 How should it be labeled:

 In English or Filipino, or both;

 In conspicuous and legible fonts in contrast by

typography, lay-out, or color with other printed
matter; and

 In a manner consistent with the provisions of

RA 7394.

 Where must it be placed:

 On the PVC product;

 On the principal display panel of the PVC

product’s package; and

 On any descriptive material which accompany

the product.

Products of manufacturers who fail to comply with the

labeling requirements set forth in the Act will be
considered mislabeled or banned hazardous products.
These products will not be allowed to be distributed, sold,
or offered for sale in the market.

 Penalties:

 Imprisonment ranging from 1 year but not

more than 10 years; or
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  A fine of not less than PHP 50,000 but not
more than PHP 500,000; or

 Both imprisonment and fine at the discretion of

the court.

If committed by a juridical person, the Chairman of the

Board of Directors, President, General Manager, Partners,
or Persons directly involved, shall be liable.

If committed by a foreign national, the penalty shall be

deportation without further proceedings after service of
sentence.

Public awareness programs shall be developed by the DTI

with the assistance of the DOH.

The DOH is authorized to issue directives to all heads of

government and private hospitals, clinics and health
centers to conduct an audit to determine the presence of
PVC in medical devices including those made with DEHP
in their medical facilities. It is also mandated to implement
a purchasing policy that requires the reduction or
elimination of such medical devices.

Legis’ The penalty imposed on foreign nationals of deportation

Comments/ without further proceedings after service of sentence may
Questions: be in violation of Section 37 (c) of Commonwealth Act
No. 613

“No alien shall be deported without being

informed of the specific grounds for
deportation nor without being given a hearing
under rules of procedure to be prescribed by the
Commissioner of Immigration.”

For your information.