As the direct source of health products to consumers, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) encourages retailers to be familiarized and updated with existing regulations covering the health products, particularly household/urban hazardous substances (HUHS), placed on sale or offered for sale to the public whether in brick-and-mortar stores or online marketplaces. Hence, for the guidance of retailers, including business store owners and online sellers, the FDA provides the following information on relevant current regulations for HUHS establishments and products:
HUHS products are intended to be used in homes or where people live and work. They are essential in various activities in a common household such as cleaning and hobbies. These products are reasonably safe when used as directed. However, it is important to understand that these products contain chemicals that are innately hazardous that may make them toxic, corrosive, irritant, strong sensitizer, flammable or combustible, or generates pressure through decomposition, heat or other means, or may cause substantial injury or illness during or as result of ingestion by children. Examples are cleaners, fresheners, deodorizers, adhesives, paints and coloring materials, and car care maintenance.
HUHS products are under the jurisdiction of the Center for Cosmetics and Household/Urban Hazardous Substances Regulation and Research (CCHUHSRR) of the FDA and regulated through the DOH Administrative Order No. 2019-0019 and FDA Circular No. 2020-025. More information on this is detailed in the brochure attached to this Advisory. It is important to know that manufacturers, traders and distributors (wholesalers, importers and exporters) of HUHS products must obtain the following from FDA:
- License to Operate (LTO) for their establishment (mandatory beginning 01 January 2022)
- Certificate of Product Registration (CPR) for their HUHS products (registration is currently voluntary and any updates on the mandatory requirement will be announced through FDA’s official channels)
In order to ensure that products for sale abide by this regulation and to help in the right conduct of retail businesses, retailers of HUHS products are advised to do the following:
- Conduct business only with legitimate HUHS establishments with a valid LTO.
- Use the FDA Verification Portal at https://verification.fda.gov.ph to know if a certain establishment already has an LTO from FDA.
- Observe proper use, handling, storage and disposal of HUHS products. It is important to know that when improperly handled, stored, used or disposed of, HUHS products may cause untoward effects to the handler or user. Read the cautionary statements, warnings, and directions for storage, and use as written on the label.
- Report any establishments that distribute products without an LTO by sending an e-mail to [email protected], or call CCHUHSRR hotline (02) 8857-1900 loc. 8113 or 8107.
Dissemination of this advisory to all concerned is hereby requested.
