Philippines - Chemical Control Order for Benzene (DAO-2026-29)

​Philippines DAO No. 2026-29: Chemical Control Order (CCO) for Benzene was published, introducing Benzene as a newly regulated substance under the Chemical Control Order (CCO).​

The Order applies to importers, distributors, manufacturers, industrial users, and commercial users that handle benzene and benzene-containing mixtures. 

Since then, benzene and benzene-containing mixtures are prohibited to use in following applications: 

- Paints, varnishes, coatings, solvents, and thinners

- Glues, contact cement, and rubber goods

- Solutions for textiles, fabrics, and leathers

- Inks and dyes

- Cleaning and degreasing agents

- Toys and other children’s product

​And the main portion of the Order describe the requirements on control of beneze and its mixtures in following scenarios:

- Manufacture/production of benzene

- Use of benzene for chemical synthesis

- Use of benzene in motor fuel

- Use of benzene and benzene-containing mixtures for analytical or research work carried out in laboratories

Other industrial and commercial use of mixtures the benzene content of which is equal to or less than one (1) percent by volume​

​​​​​