Who is NACD?

The National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD), established in 1971, is an international association of chemical distributors and their supply-chain partners. Member companies process, formulate, blend, re-package, warehouse, transport, and market these chemical products for over 750,000 customers.

NACD Mission

To enhance and communicate the professionalism and stewardship of the chemical distribution industry.

NACD Vision

To be the premier authority for chemical distribution in the United States, to strive for excellence in its Responsible Distribution Program, to advocate sound government policies, and to promote the continuous improvement of member companies.

Profile of Membership

NACD's nearly 400 member and affiliate companies represent more than 85% of the chemical distribution capacity in the nation and 90% of the industry's gross revenue.   Member companies are largely entrepreneurial and generally service a particular geographic region or industrial sector. They are typically small businesses, although some companies are national or international in scope. They know their products and processes, and provide value-added services to their customers in a professional, responsible manner.

Products and Industries Served

Approximately $25-30 billion of U.S. chemical industry sales are through chemical distributors, who are also actively engaged in various phases of import/export trade. The industrial customers served by chemical distributors use these materials to produce products for the following industries:

 
Responsible Distribution - A Condition of Membership

All member companies are committed to product stewardship and responsible distribution in every phase of chemical storage, handling, transportation, and disposal. A member-voted condition of membership in the Association is a signed commitment to the NACD's Responsible Distribution, which requires members to continuously improve performance in protecting health, safety, security, and the environment.

Responsible Distribution is designed to be sensitive and responsive to community needs and public concerns. It embodies the commitment of each member company to the responsible management of chemical products. NACD members play a leadership role in their communities as technical and safety resources and are eager to provide the same assistance and guidance to local, state, and federal legislators on technical issues relating to the safe handling, storage, transportation, use, and disposal of chemical products.

A key requirement of Responsible Distribution and a condition of membership in NACD is verification of members' Responsible Distribution policies and procedures by a third-party firm. First, document verification of company Responsible Distribution policies and procedures is required of Candidates for Membership. All Regular NACD members have fulfilled this obligation. Second, Responsible Distribution Verification is required every three years by all Regular members. Responsible Distribution Verification verifies member companies' implementation of Responsible Distribution policies and procedures, as well as reviewing the facility operations and handling of chemical materials via a facility visit and personnel interviews. Responsible Distribution Verification is a jointly developed program supported by NACD and a core group of chemical manufacturers. NACD has contracted with third-party firms to conduct the verifications.

NACD Candidates for Membership

Allied Associations:

Chemical Educational Foundation ®

The Chemical Educational Foundation (CEF) was originally founded in 1989 as the NACD Educational Foundation to establish a chemical product stewardship network to disseminate an important message to the NACD distributor members' 750,000 customers and their communities. Recognizing the evolving scope of the Foundation, as well as the coordination of various associations' product stewardship activities, the NACD Educational Foundation became the Chemical Educational Foundation in October 1997.

The Chemical Educational Foundation is committed to enhancing science education among every generation, beginning with our youth, by emphasizing the central role of chemistry in all the sciences and in our everyday lives. By nurturing the general public’s interest in the sciences, CEF is driven to inspire future leaders in science-related careers and improve the overall understanding of, participation in, and appreciation of chemistry and chemicals.

NACD members take the initiative in informing the general public and other stakeholders about both the hazards and  the benefits of chemicals and the processes by which they’re made, transported, and used.  Our members proudly support the efforts of CEF not just with contributions to the Foundation, but also actively participate and sponsor CEF’s You Be The Chemist^® programs and disseminate CEF informational brochures.

For more information on CEF, please visit http://www.chemed.org, or call 703/527-6223.

International Involvement

NACD has strong ties and works closely with its allied chemical organizations worldwide. Meetings are held regularly with representatives from the chemical distribution associations in Canada, The Canadian Association of Chemical Distributors (CACD) Mexico, La Asociation Nacional de la Industria Quimica (ANIQ), and Brazil, National Brazilian Distribution Association (ASSOCIQUIM).

NACD is a member of the International Council of Chemical Trade Associations (ICCTA) and participates with the European Association of Chemical Distributors (FECC). ICCTA represents chemical distributors in more than 20 countries worldwide. ICCTA members are committed to safe and responsible handling of chemical products in all phases of the distribution process, including handling, storage, warehousing and transportation. As a condition of membership in ICCTA, member companies are committed to the principles of Responsible Distribution and Responsible Care.