REPUBLIC ACT

NO. 6969
 AN ACT TO CONTROL TOXIC
SUBSTANCES AND HAZARDOUS AND
NUCLEAR WASTES, PROVIDING
PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF,
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
CONTEXT

1. Control of Toxic Substances and Hazardous Wastes

2. Prohibition of Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes
3. Penalties for Violations
4. Education and Research
THE PURPOSE OF R.A. 6969

1. Regulation and Control

2. Inventory and Monitoring

3. Public Awareness and Education
4. Prevention of Hazardous Entry
THE ENACTMENT OF REPUBLIC ACT NO.
6969
October 26, 1990

This program of the DENR-EMB covers

the sound and proper management of
industrial chemicals and hazardous
wastes in all aspects of its life cycle,
from importation, manufacture,
distribution, transportation, use and
disposal.
WHAT?
To control toxic substances and hazardous and nuclear wastes
The act covers the requirements for processing, handling,
storage, transportation, collection, recovery, use, and disposal of
hazardous and nuclear wastes in the country for whatever
purposes
The act also designates the Department of Environment and
Natural Resources (DENR) as the implementing agency
To achieve the environmentally sound management of toxic
substances and hazardous and nuclear wastes in accordance with
agreed international frameworks
To minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the
environment
 KEY PROVISIONS
Policy and Scope:

State Policy: The Act declares it the state's policy to:

Regulate, restrict, or prohibit the use of chemical

substances and mixtures that pose unreasonable
risks to health or the environment.
Prohibit the entry, even in transit, and disposal of
hazardous and nuclear wastes within Philippine
territory.
Advance research and studies on toxic chemicals.
SCOPE
The Act covers all aspects of the life cycle of
potentially harmful materials, including:

Importation, manufacture, processing, handling,

storage, transportation, sale, distribution, use,
and disposal of unregulated chemical
substances and mixtures in the Philippines.

Entry, transit, storage, and disposal of hazardous

and nuclear wastes into the country.
REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
Chemical Control Inventory: The Act establishes a system for
identifying and classifying chemical substances based on their
potential hazards.
Permits and clearances: Activities involving controlled substances
require permits and clearances from designated government
agencies.
Labeling and information sharing: Proper labeling of chemicals and
transparent information sharing about their risks are mandated.
Emergency response mechanisms: The Act outlines procedures for
emergency response in cases of accidental spills or releases of
hazardous materials.
ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES
The Act empowers the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR) to implement and enforce its provisions. Violations
of the Act can result in significant penalties, including:

Fines of up to ₱2 million for individuals and ₱10 million for

corporations.
Imprisonment of up to 12 years for serious offenses.
Administrative sanctions, such as permit revocation or closure of
facilities