Any project in the Philippines that poses a potential environmental risk or a significant impact to the environment (such as mining, agriculture projects, or construction) is required to secure Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECCs) from Department of the Environment and Natural Resources DENR.

An ECC is a certificate issued by DENR/Environmental Management Board EMB after a positive review of the ECC application. This certifies that based on the application of the proponent, the proposed project or undertaking will not cause a significant negative impact on the Philippines environment. The ECC's contain specific measures and conditions that must be met by the project proponent before and during the operation of the project. In some cases, conditions are listed to be preformed during the project’s abandonment phase to lessen identified potential environmental impacts.

The ECC's also certify that the proponent has complied with all the requirements of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) System and has committed to implement its approved Environmental Management Plan in the Philippines.

Requirements

• Proponent must submit a letter of request to the Environmental Management Bureau(EMB) stating desire to receive ECC.

• Must attach Project Description, which should include raw materials be used, the process or manufacturing technology to be implemented.

• Submit the estimated project capacity, type and volume of products and discharges.

• Proof of possession of necessary capital for proposed project.

• Location map of project area.

• Manpower requirements.

Procedure

• Submission of application letter to EMB board meets twice a month.

• Review of Project by DENR/EMB sometimes it is required to present project direct to board at their discretion.

• Approval issued during EMB meeting if all requirements are satisfied and it appears no serious environmental damage shall result from the project.

• Issuance of ECC from DENR released.

• In cases where EMB finds that ECC is not applicable, a Certificate of Non-Coverage (CNC) shall be issued confirming that the proposed project is not part of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) an poses no environmental threat.

Total registration can be done in 3-4 weeks in cases where a CNC is issued.

For ECC process time varies from project to project can be completed in 2-6 months.