On November 14, 2013, Philippines Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued Guidelines on Notification of Selected Household/Urban Hazardous Substances (HUHS) Products. By introducing the nation’s simplified application approach of 14 types of HUHS product, the authority encourages sound market competition and technology innovation, while companies should be fully aware of their responsibility of products’ safety and quality guarantee. The authority will enhance post-marketing surveillance to ensure their consistent compliance to relative standards.
The guidelines apply to the following products:
Paints, lacquers, varnish
Solvent paint, lacquer thinner, mineral spirits
Adhesives (contact cement)
Polishes and waxes (for metal, wood and shoes)
Bleaches
Cleaners
Disinfectant sprays
Detergents (in the form of bar, liquid or powder)
Dishwashing (in the form of liquid or paste)
Glues/paste
Fabric dyes, softeners, conditioners
Educational set and miscellaneous chemistry set (paste, crayons, pencils, water color, glue stick/glues, correction fluid/rubber eraser, oil pastels, art paints, chalk, moulding clays)
Stationeries/art paper (colored and/or scented)
Air fresheners (deodorizer, fabric freshener, aromatherapy product, scented candles, gels, oil, spray)
Companies are required to submit notification application per product formulation per packaging presentation, prior to which a valid FDA License to Operate (LTO) as HUHS manufacturer or distributor must be acquired. For every acknowledged notification, a product information file (PIF) must be prepared, and be retained for at least 3 years since the product was last placed on the market, in case of random FDA audit. A new notification application is needed if there is any change of information in the product notification.
All existing Certificate of Product Registration (CPR) due for renewal or seeking amendments, a new notification should be applied for, and it will be regarded as “initial application”.
