In the Philippines, the possession and use of chainsaws are strictly regulated by law to curb illegal logging and protect the country’s remaining forest cover. The primary legislation governing this is Republic Act No. 9175, otherwise known as the "Chainsaw Act of 2002." This law mandates that all chainsaws must be registered with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Operating or even possessing a chainsaw without the proper permits is a criminal offense that carries significant penalties, including imprisonment and the confiscation of the equipment.

Who Can Legally Own a Chainsaw?

Under RA 9175, ownership is not a general right but a privilege granted to specific entities. You are eligible to apply for a Certificate of Registration if you fall under any of the following categories:

Holders of Timber Licenses: Those with valid Timber License Agreements (TLA), Private Forest Development Agreements (PFDA), or similar land tenurial instruments.
Orchard or Fruit Tree Farmers: Individuals or entities managing established orchards or plantations.
Industrial Tree Farmers: Those engaged in the commercial planting of timber.
Licensed Wood Processors: Owners of sawmills or wood processing plants who require chainsaws for their operations.
Licensed Contractors: Those with legitimate contracts to clear land for infrastructure, provided the contract is recognized by the government.
Other Lawful Purposes: This includes authorized government agencies or research institutions that require the tool for official functions.

Essential DENR Permits and Requirements

To legally own and operate a portable chainsaw, there are two primary processes: the Permit to Purchase (before buying) and the Certificate of Registration (after buying).

1. Permit to Purchase

Before acquiring a chainsaw—whether from a local dealer or via importation—you must first obtain a Permit to Purchase from the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO).

Basic Requirements:

A duly accomplished application form.
Business Permit or Mayor’s Permit.
Proof of the specific purpose for the chainsaw (e.g., Land Title/Tax Declaration for farmers, or a copy of the Timber License).
Detailed specifications of the chainsaw to be purchased.

2. Certificate of Registration (COR)

Once the chainsaw is acquired, it must be registered within 15 days. The COR serves as the legal proof of ownership and is valid for two (2) years, renewable upon expiration.

Basic Requirements:

Official Receipt (OR) and Sales Invoice of the chainsaw.
The previously issued Permit to Purchase.
Stencils of the engine and chassis serial numbers.
Payment of registration fees (typically around ₱500 per unit, though rates may vary).
An actual inspection of the unit by DENR personnel.

Rules on Transfer, Sale, and Importation

Transfer of Ownership: You cannot simply sell or give your registered chainsaw to another person. Any transfer of ownership requires the prior clearance of the DENR. The new owner must satisfy the eligibility requirements and secure their own registration.
Importation: Only authorized dealers or those with a specific Permit to Import issued by the DENR-Forest Management Bureau (FMB) can bring chainsaws into the country.
Registration Number: Every registered chainsaw is assigned a unique number which must be permanently engraved or stenciled on the unit.

Prohibited Acts and Penalties

The Chainsaw Act is a "special law," meaning that the mere act of violating its provisions (regardless of intent) is enough for a conviction.

Violation	Penalty
Selling/Distributing without permit	Imprisonment of 4–8 years OR a fine (₱30,000–₱50,000)
Possession without permit	Imprisonment of 6 years and 1 day to 8 years OR a fine (₱30,000–₱50,000)
Illegal Use (using for illegal logging)	Imprisonment of 6 years and 1 day to 8 years AND a fine (₱30,000–₱50,000)
Tampering of Serial Numbers	Imprisonment of 1 month to 6 months AND a fine

Note: In all instances of conviction, the chainsaw shall be forfeited in favor of the government.

Important Compliance Reminders

Always Carry the COR: When transporting or using the chainsaw in the field, the operator must carry the original or a certified true copy of the Certificate of Registration. Failure to produce this during a random check by DENR officers or the PNP can lead to immediate seizure of the unit.
Renew on Time: Operating with an expired registration is legally equivalent to "unlawful possession."
Local Ordinances: Some Local Government Units (LGUs) have additional ordinances regarding noise or specific zones where chainsaws cannot be used. Always check with the local Barangay or Municipal hall.