Philippines - Regulation

The Fertilizer and pesticides authority of the Philippines is responsible for regulating plant protection products (PPP). It draws its power from Section of PD 1144, which states that the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) has jurisdiction over the usage and regulations of plant protection products. Therefore, they are responsible for Safeguarding the population against the risks of pesticide use and inform the agricultural sector on how to utilize these chemicals. 

Biorational pesticide is a different category of pesticide compared to conventional pesticides. They are classified into two parts: biochemical pest control agents (e.g., pheromones, hormones, natural plant growth regulators, and enzymes) and microbiological pest control agents (e.g., pheromones, hormones, natural plant growth regulators, and enzymes) (e.g., microorganisms).  

All pesticides intended for commercial use in the Philippines should be registered with the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority, according to Section 9 of PD 1144 and Article II, Sec. 1 of FPA Rules and Regulations No. 1, Series of 1977. Biopesticides are used as a substitute or supplementary products for plant protection. They are also used extensively and somewhat less hazardous than typical biopesticides. But regulated and monitored by the FPA.  

The producers are asked to carry out the testing. They are keeping in mind the safety and security of all.  Biopesticides have been seen as an integrated pest management policy by the countries. There are also different kinds of biopesticide products mandated by the authorities to follow a different route to get the marketplace's approvals. Biopesticides are still in an evolving phase of their innovations. Countries are assessing their efficacies and have been making ad-hoc decisions about specific products through emergency approvals.  

• To promote the safe use of plant protection products and dissemination of the correct information among society.  

• The Philippine Council for Agriculture and Resources Research and other authorized agencies; works in tandem with each other to ensure that to safeguard public health through rational pest control, safety in the use and handling of pesticides, higher product standards, and quality better application methods. 

• To determine the actual application or application methods for each pesticide or pesticide composition.  

• To restrict the importation of plant protection goods with pesticide residues above permissible tolerance levels and limit PPP exportation with pesticide residues exceeding acceptable tolerance levels.  

• Regular audits of PPP license holders at their workplaces and premises to ensure compliance with industrial health, safety, and anti-pollution regulations. 

• All pesticide handlers must obtain a license from the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authorities (FPA), as per Section 9 of PD 1144 and Sections 1 and 2 of Article III of the FPA Rules and Regulations No. 1, Series 1977. 

• All the commercial applicators, before marketing and selling PIP and other agricultural pesticide compounds, all technological developers, dealers, importers, and other handlers of PIP and other agricultural pesticide substances must take license numbers from competent authorities in the Philippines. Otherwise, it will be considered a civil or criminal offense. 

Requirements for the registration:  

• Due to their distinctive and contained nature, FPA will register PIPs and other agricultural pesticidal compounds based on the general principles of biorational pesticides, with the appropriate adjustments.  

1. Approach to testing- The method for assessing PIPs and other agricultural pesticidal compounds must be in line with Section 3.2.2.  

Data Requirements: According to Section 3.3.2, The following data is necessary for product analysis of PIPs and other agricultural pesticide chemicals.  

• The product name (gene, protein/s, or substance) and the trade name{s) (if different), the company code numbers.  

1. Confidential Statement of Formula- The application should contain a statement of confidential information.  

2. Ingredient Information- Refer to Section 3.3.2.C for the details.  

3. Transformation process- Data-related sources of genes and DNA elements, the transformation process, genetic stability, etc.  

1. Product Identity - The product name and trade name(s) must be included in each authorization of a biochemical PCA that is a pesticide product (if different). It's possible to provide the corporate code number(s). 

2. Confidential Statement of Formula- This group's product analysis criteria are as follows: A confidential statement of formula would be included in the product registration application. Each variant formula of a product requires its con information of the procedure. In addition, the correct FPA form must be filled correctly. 

3.  Information on Ingredients- The following information (if available) about each ingredient mentioned in the confidential statement of formula required by paragraph (B) & must be included in an application form:   

1. Each biochemical (including microbial toxins) can be identified by:  

a. Biochemical name(s) from the Chemical Abstracts Index of Nomenclature, 1972-1976, or     another well-defined name   

b. The Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) Registry Number(s)  

c. The structural formula(s), empirical formula(s)  

d. The count of the biochemical present in the product in recognized units of potency. 

1. The name of the genus of the organism by which the biochemical was derived or is commonly associated. 

2. The specificity or host range of the biochemical activity and mode of action. 

3. Ingredients, other than biochemicals, can be identified by-  

• Percentage composition (by weight) of each ingredient. 

• Whether the substance is a purposefully inserted active component or an impurity. 

• The chemical name for the Chemical Abstracts or other well-defined name. 

• The CAS registry number. 

• The product name, the trade name, and the common name (if established). 

• The experimental or internal code number. 

Assume that at any point throughout the manufacturing process, the existence of components harmful or sensitizing to humans or other non-target mammalian species is detected. In that instance, data must be supplied demonstrating that the chemicals are either not present in the final biochemical product or are present in proportions that are too small to represent a risk.   

1. Discussion on the Formation of Unintentional Ingredients - A discussion of the potential production and presence of unintended components in the product in proportions that may cause undesirable human or environmental impacts must be included in a registration application. Such involuntary components may be introduced during the manufacturing process through the starting material, process solvents, equipment, packaging, and other sources; the manufacturing process should also be provided. 

2. Physical and Chemical Properties- Each manufacturing-use product and each end-use product should provide data on physical and chemical characteristics to support their registration.