Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 11898 (DENR Administrative Order No. 2023-02).

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has issued Administrative Order No. 2023-02, providing the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for Republic Act No. 11898, known as the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act of 2022, that amends the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (RA 9003). The text provides that businesses with assets exceeding PHP 100 million that introduce plastic-packaged products into the Philippine market must implement Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs focused on waste reduction, recovery, and recycling. These programs should incorporate sustainable product design, collection schemes, and public education. Obligated enterprises must register with the National Ecology Center (NEC), submit annual compliance reports, and undergo third-party audits. The regulation mandates increasing plastic recovery targets, starting at 20% in 2023 and reaching 80% by 2028. Compliance offers tax incentives, while violations can result in fines of PHP 5 million to PHP 20 million and possible business permit suspension. The IRR aims to operationalize the EPR Act by providing clear guidelines for enterprises to take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their plastic products, thereby promoting environmental sustainability and reducing plastic waste pollution in the Philippines. The text consists of 29 Articles divided into 10 Parts and has one Annex.