The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) in coordination with the Samahan sa Pilipinas ng mga Industriyang Kimika (SPIK) conducted a Seminar of Globally Harmonized System Implementation for Regulated and Controlled Chemicals to 45 Manila and Regional Examiners and Inspectors of the Bureau of Customs on March 01 and 02, 2017 at Midas Hotel and Casino, Pasay City.

Ms. Cynthia Reyes discussed the overview of GHS while Ms. Milette Mendoza of EMB presented the Philippine Regulation in GHS Implementation during the morning session. Discussion on GHS format of Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and requirements for labeling was done by Ms. Gretchen Fontejon- Enarle. The seminar concluded with a workshop facilitated by Mr. Jonathan Chong.

The EMB started its four phase implementation of the DAO 2015-09 Rules and Procedures for the Implementation of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) in Preparation of Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and Labelling Requirements of Toxic Chemical Substances in 2016 for Priority Chemical List and Chemical Control Order chemicals to be followed by High Volume Chemicals (HVCs) in 2017, Toxic Chemicals under the IATA and IMDG List of Dangerous Goods in 2018 and mixtures in 2019.

The seminar for the BOC is an annual activity conducted by the EMB to provide awareness and increase capacity and competency of BOC examiners and inspectors on the different rules and regulations on chemical management of the EMB. Through this program, issues and concerns are discussed and addressed appropriately in the open forum session thus minimizing the delays in the importation and exportation of chemicals.