Question & AnswerQ&A (DOE DEPARTMENT CIRCULAR NO. DC2014-01-0001)
The title is 'LPG Industry Rules', governing the rules and regulations of the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) industry in the Philippines.
It applies to all persons engaged or intending to engage in the business of importing, refining, refilling, marketing, distributing, hauling/transporting, handling, storing, retailing, selling, and/or trading LPG.
Requirements include an application containing business details under oath, mayor's permit, fire safety inspection certificate, various clearances, permits, insurance certificates, and other specified documents depending on whether the applicant is a refiner, importer, marketer, dealer, retail outlet, or hauler.
The SCC is valid for a maximum of three calendar years from issuance and must be renewed no later than the end of March in the third year.
Illegal trading includes engaging in LPG business without an SCC, failure to post SCC, transacting business with participants without valid SCC, selling LPG in substandard or improperly sealed cylinders, hoarding LPG, overloading transport vehicles, and several other prohibited acts related to safety and compliance.
They will be penalized with an administrative fine of ₱60,000 and may face additional penalties for continuing violations.
Brand owners are presumed owners of the cylinders bearing their mark and are responsible for ensuring cylinders comply with quality and safety standards. They must maintain cylinders in safe condition and carry product liability insurance.
Refillers must accurately fill LPG cylinders as prescribed, perform leak tests, seal cylinders properly, refrain from refilling non-compliant or single-trip cylinders, and ensure safety practices are observed.
Retail outlets must sell only authorized brands with registered seals, have properly calibrated weighing devices, issue official receipts for every transaction, post required safety signs, request qualified LPG servicemen to assist consumers, and comply with safety handling practices.