QuestionsQuestions (DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 18-04)
DA0 18-04 is anchored mainly on Republic Act No. 8749 (Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999), particularly provisions requiring DENR to set and apply emission standards for motor vehicles and to control air pollution from motor vehicles. The DAO is intended to implement/supplement RA 8749 for used motor vehicle importation compliance.
It declares that the State shall pursue a policy of balancing development and environmental protection.
DENR Administrative Order No. 04, series of 2015 (Implementation of Vehicle Emission Limits for Euro 4/IV, and In-Use Vehicle Emission Standards). DAO 18-04 cites that Euro 4/IV emission limits became effective on 25 July 2015 (as reflected in the text).
The CAI shall be issued only upon submission of a certification that the units are compliant with Euro 4 emission standards set under DENR DAO 04 s. 2015, consistent with RA 8749.
Compliance with Euro 4 emission standards. The DAO provides specific limits for CO (by volume), HC (ppm) at idling, light absorption coefficient (m-1), and values for in-use, rebuilt, and imported used passenger cars and light/heavy duty vehicles depending on registration dates.
The DAO sets bracketed emission limit values tied to registration periods. For example, CO, HC, and absorption coefficient limits differ depending on whether the vehicle was registered for the first time on or before Dec. 31, 2007, after Dec. 31, 2007, or on/after July 1, 2017.
They indicate different maximum allowable CO emission limits depending on when the vehicle was first registered, allowing different thresholds for older versus newer first-registration periods while still requiring Euro 4 compliance.
Only Euro 4 compliant used parts and components shall be allowed for importation for truck rebuilding activities.
A duly issued certification or any documentary proof showing compliance with Euro 4 emission standards.
It prohibits any imported secondhand motor vehicle engine from being introduced into commerce, sold, or used unless it complies with the emission standards set pursuant to RA 8749.
It prohibits the importation of used motor vehicles into Philippine territory, except for select types of vehicles, and only if they comply with the current emission standards set by DENR.
As stated in the DAO, it provides for a comprehensive industrial policy and directions for the motor vehicle development program and its implementing guidelines, which includes regulatory directions relevant to used vehicle importation and emission compliance.
It assures the public that all rebuilt trucks meet exhaust emission standards, and it is used as a supporting regulatory reference for rebuilding activities connected to emission compliance.
A certification that the unit complies with Euro 4 emission standards under DENR DAO 04 s. 2015; the DAO indicates this is a condition precedent to the issuance of the CAI.
The DAO is designed to supplement the implementation of RA 8749 by applying the relevant emission standards (Euro 4/IV under DENR DAO 04 s. 2015) to used vehicle importation and rebuilding, consistent with DENR’s continuing duty to review and revise emission standards.