Question 1

What is REACH and how does it affect chemical procurement?

Accepted Answer

REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) is the EU chemical safety regulation requiring all substances above 1 tonne/year to be registered with ECHA. For procurement: (1) confirm the supplier has a valid REACH registration number for the substance; (2) check the SVHC Candidate List for any restrictions; (3) for imports into the EU, the importer bears REACH obligations unless a non-EU supplier appoints an Only Representative. Non-compliance can result in customs seizure and import bans.

Question 2

How do I verify a supplier's REACH registration number?

Accepted Answer

REACH registration numbers follow the format 01-XXXXXXXXXX-YY-ZZZZ. Verify them in ECHA's public database at echa.europa.eu/information-on-chemicals/registered-substances. The number should match the exact substance (CAS number) and the registrant company. The SDS Section 1 must list the registration number for EU-registered substances. If a supplier cannot provide a valid registration number for an EU-bound shipment above 1 tonne/year, do not proceed.

Question 3

What is the minimum order for wholesale industrial chemicals?

Accepted Answer

MOQs depend heavily on chemical type: commodity solvents (IPA, acetone, ethanol) from 1 IBC (1,000 L / ~800 kg); bulk tanker from 20–25 tonnes; polymer resins from 1 FCL (20–25 tonnes pellets); specialty chemicals from 25 kg drum; metal powders from 5 kg for specialty grades. Sample quantities (100 g–5 kg) are typically available for testing before bulk commitment.

Question 4

How do I ship hazardous chemicals internationally?

Accepted Answer

Hazardous chemicals require: (1) UN number and proper shipping name; (2) GHS-labelled packaging; (3) SDS in transport languages; (4) transport document declaring UN class, packing group, and emergency contacts. By sea: IMDG Code packing and stowage rules; dangerous goods declaration required. By air: IATA DGR — many Class 3 and 6 chemicals are forbidden or quantity-restricted. By road in EU: ADR. Use a licensed dangerous goods freight forwarder for compliance.

Question 5

What certifications should food-grade chemicals carry?

Accepted Answer

Food-grade chemicals should carry: (1) compliance with EU Food Contact Regulation 1935/2004 or FDA 21 CFR for US; (2) FAMI-QS or EU Feed Hygiene for feed-grade materials; (3) specific substance approvals (E numbers for EU food additives, GRAS status for US); (4) ISO 22000 or FSSC 22000 QMS certification; (5) halal and/or kosher certificates if required by end-market. Always request current Certificates of Analysis (CoA) and Certificates of Conformity (CoC).

Question 6

How do I find a bulk chemical distributor instead of a manufacturer?

Accepted Answer

Bulk chemical distributors typically hold regional stock, offer lower MOQs than manufacturers, and provide blending, repackaging, and credit terms. On Towobo, filter chemical raw material listings by supplier type and MOQ to find bulk distributors alongside direct manufacturers — both are verified for REACH/GHS documentation before listing.

Top Wholesale Chemical & Raw Material Suppliers

Chemical Categories Overview

REACH Regulation — Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation

GHS/CLP Classification and Safety Data Sheets

UN Dangerous Goods Classification for Transport

HALAL and KOSHER Certification for Food-Grade Chemicals

MOQ Guidance for Bulk Chemicals

Frequently Asked Questions