Processing, issuance of DENR emission permits for new vehicles now available online

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is cutting back on red tape for automobile manufacturers, assemblers and importers securing emission permits for new motor vehicles, with the unveiling of its online processing service.

The DENR, through its Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), is now accepting online applications for its Certificate of Conformity (COC) issued to new vehicles that complied with the numerical emission standards prescribed by the department.

COC is a requirement for initial registration of new motor vehicles with the Land Transportation Office (LTO), an attached agency of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC).

DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje said the introduction of the electronic service was part of the department’s efforts to reduce administrative burdens and improve business regulation.

He noted that the new system allows for a convenient and transparent process in securing permits from the EMB.

“Going online is one way of reaching out to our stakeholders and making things easier and hassle-free for them,” Paje pointed out.

“The public can expect more of such initiatives as we continue to improve our services by cutting red tape and reducing useless effort,” he added.

Under the law, all new cars sold in the country must be certified to meet local emission standards.

Section 22 of Republic Act 8749, or the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999, provides that “any imported new or locally-assembled new motor vehicle shall not be registered unless it complies with the emission standards set pursuant to the Act, as evidenced by a Certificate of Conformity issued by the [DENR].”

Under the new system, registrants are provided an online account that allows them to access their personal information 27 hours a day, 7 days a week, using their username and password. From their account, they can verify activity details.

To register, applicants may log on to the EMB’s official website (www.emb.gov.ph), and click on the icons “COC Online” or “HazWaste Online Registration” on the right hand corner of the page. An account can be created by designating an e-mail address and password.

Requirements for COC include a detailed description of the vehicle and its engine, details of the fuel feed and emission control systems, and the vehicle type approval system test result of the DOTC and LTO.

After submission, applicants can access their account to track the status of their application and obtain a copy of the certificate once approved. Applications can also be done anywhere with internet access, either via a computer or a mobile device.

The EMB now also provides electronic registration for all hazardous waste generators, treaters  and transporters.

Upon submission of registration form, proponents will receive confirmation e-mail containing the requirements for registration as enumerated in DENR Administrative Order 2013-22, or the Revised Procedures and Standards for the Management of Hazardous Wastes.

Payment can be made at the EMB Central Office, or EMB Regional Office where the project is located. Finally, a confirmation e-mail will be sent advising the proponent when the certificate will be issued.

Lawyer Jonas R. Leones, a DENR Undersecretary and concurrent EMB Director, said the online processing for hazardous waste is currently on its initial phase.

“Once in full operation, the system will allow us to easily track and monitor the movement of hazardous wastes as it is transported in various parts of the country,” Leones said.

He likewise disclosed that the EMB will soon launch its online permitting system for the country’s Priority Chemicals List (PCL), Pre-Manufacturing and Pre-Importation Notification (PMPIN) and the checklist for Environmentally Critical Areas under the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) system.

Since February 2, the EMB also opened its online service in securing a Certificate of Non-Coverage (CNC) under the Philippine EIS system. Those covered are projects referred to as “Category D” or those unlikely to cause adverse environmental impacts.

Category D projects involve not more than one hectare land development, with no toxic or hazardous materials, substances and products, including those in the revised PCL and Chemical Control Order under RA 6969 or the Toxic Substances, Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act. (DENR)