Philippine National Standards (PNS) for Biofuels
- The law mandates biofuel blends meet Philippine National Standards (PNS).
- Various PNS specifications detailed under DOE Department Circulars, including:
- PNS/DOE QS 002:2007 for Coconut Methyl Ester (CME or B100)
- PNS/DOE QS 004:2007 for Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME)-blended diesel
- Other standards for bioethanol and biofuel gasoline blends.
Implementation Guidelines for Biodiesel
- Only CME conforming to PNS/DOE QS 002:2007 may be manufactured, sold, or distributed as Biodiesel.
- Only FAME-blended diesel pursuant to PNS/DOE QS 004:2007 qualifies for the National Biofuels Program.
Quality Assurance and Product Integrity
- Retail outlets and oil companies must require quality certification from suppliers before blending.
- Retail outlet operators must follow good housekeeping protocols for handling, storage, and dispensing of biofuel blends.
- Oil companies must train and equip retail outlets and customers for proper biofuel handling.
Importation and Blending Requirements
- Only DOE-qualified entities may import unblended or base diesel for personal or commercial use.
- Qualifying requires DOE certification on blending capability before importation.
- Importers must comply with Republic Act No. 8479 (Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Act) notice and reportorial requirements.
- Proper blending with biodiesel mandatory before use or commercial sale.
Sanctions and Enforcement
- Prohibited acts under RA 9367 and related issuances subject violators to criminal and/or administrative penalties.
- Enforcement guided by existing DOE rules or any future rules issued to implement the Act.
Effectivity and Revocation
- The Department Circular took effect immediately upon publication.
- It remains effective until revoked or amended by subsequent issuances.