Philippines: New Fuel Economy Labeling Program

 

Philippines has published a new regulation on fuel economy labelling: Draft Implementing Guidelines of the Philippine Transport Vehicles Fuel Economy Labeling Program on Fuel Economy Label of Road Transport Vehicles (VFELP-IG on FEL-RTV).

The Implementing Guideline IG covers all road transport vehicles indicated under Section 5 of the VFELP Guidelines. This includes all road transport vehicles powered by internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicles (EVs).

These implementing guidelines provide the procedures for Fuel Economy Label and Fuel Economy Sticker issuance for registered vehicles of company-registered manufacturers, importers, distributors, dealers and rebuilders. The draft VFELP-IG on FEL-RTV is consistent with the provisions of Department Circulars No. DC2023-05-0017 or the VFELP Guidelines and DC2023-05-0016 or the Fuel Economy Performance Rating Guidelines for Road Transport Vehicles.

One of the purposes of this VFELP-IG on FEL-RTV is to empower consumers by enabling them to see and compare the Fuel Economy Label’s information provided by vehicle manufacturers, importers, distributors, dealers and rebuilders. Hence, this will facilitate the selection of fuel-efficient transport vehicles, and realization of fuel savings that also translates to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

The Guidelines describe in detail the application procedure for the label, the layout of the label and the technical parameters.

These are:

• Valid vehicle test reports shall be required for all registered vehicles applying for FEL issuance.
• The test report for the Cab and Chassis will be accepted, enabling the registration of the Cab and Chassis, provided that these components are the primary items being sold by the applicant.
• The submission of an updated test report is only required if changes affecting the contents of the FEL have been applied to the vehicle model or its variant which shall therefore require the applicant to apply for a new vehicle registration and pay the fees for the FEL issuance (due to the re-issuance of a valid label).

Other relevant documents for the topic are:

• Republic Act 11285 or the “Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act”
• Department Circular No. DC2023-05-0017: “Philippine Transport Vehicles Fuel Economy Labeling Program Guidelines (VFELP Guidelines)”
• Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act – Implementing Rules and Regulations (EVIDA-IRR)

To find out more about automotive regulations in Philippines, please do not hesitate to contact the Institute for Global Automotive Regulatory Research Directly.