Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC)
An Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) is a mandatory permit issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) for projects that may cause significant environmental impact. No project covered under the Philippine EIS System may legally proceed without a valid ECC.
As an experienced environmental consultant in the Philippines, we assist proponents from screening to ECC approval, ensuring full compliance with DENR regulations while avoiding delays, rejections, and enforcement actions.
What Is an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC)?
An ECC certifies that a proposed project:
- Has undergone the appropriate environmental impact assessment
- Has identified potential environmental risks
- Has committed to mitigation and monitoring measures
- Is compliant with Presidential Decree 1586 and related DENR issuances
ECC Project Classification
DENR classifies projects into categories. Misclassification is the #1 cause of ECC delays and denials.
✅ Category A – Environmentally Critical Projects
Require Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
✅ Category B – Projects in Environmentally Critical Areas
Require IEE or IEE Checklist
✅ Category C – Non-Critical Projects
Usually require Certificate of Non-Coverage (CNC)
ECC Application Process (Step-by-Step)
- 1
Project Screening
Determine project category, identify applicable environmental study, and confirm EMB jurisdiction.
- 2
Scoping (for EIS / IEE)
Define study coverage, identify critical environmental components, and align with EMB requirements.
- 3
Environmental Study Preparation
Depending on classification: EIS, IEE, IEE Checklist, or Project Description Report.
- 4
EMB Review and Evaluation
Technical review by EMB, site inspection (if required), clarifications, and revisions.
- 5
ECC Issuance
Approval with conditions, posting and disclosure requirements, and integration with SMR obligations.
Post-ECC Obligations (Often Overlooked)
Once an ECC is issued, proponents must comply with:
- Self-Monitoring Reports (SMR)
- Compliance Monitoring Reports (CMR)
- ECC condition implementation
- Periodic inspections by EMB
- Pollution permits (PTO, Discharge Permit, HWG ID)
Non-compliance may lead to ECC suspension or cancellation.
Why Hire a Professional ECC Consultant?
An experienced environmental consultant:
DIY submissions often lead to months of delay and re-submission.
Our ECC Consulting Services
We provide:
- ECC screening and classification
- EIS / IEE preparation
- EMB coordination
- Site inspections support
- Post-ECC compliance guidance
- Integration with SMR, CMR, PTO, and Discharge Permits
We serve projects across Metro Manila, Bulacan, Region III, and CALABARZON.
Unsure if your project needs an ECC or CNC? Facing delays or EMB comments? Request a professional ECC compliance assessment today and move your project forward with confidence.
Request a QuotePD 1586 – Philippine EIS System
DENR DAO 2003-30 – IRR of EIS System
DENR MC 2014-005 & 2017-015
Environmentally Critical Projects (ECPs) or projects in Environmentally Critical Areas (ECAs).
Examples: Manufacturing plants, power plants, large real estate developments, mining operations.
Project description
Location maps
Land ownership/lease documents
Environmental study (EIS/IEE)
Barangay endorsement
Environmental Management Plan (EMP)
| CNC | 7–15 days |
| IEE Checklist | 20–30 days |
| IEE | 30–60 days |
| EIS | 90–180 days |
Timelines are estimates and reset if documents are deficient.
Wrong project classification
Incomplete environmental study
Poorly prepared EMP
Missing endorsements
Non-compliance with zoning