In the course of globalization, the trade in chemicals has developed into a complex field that goes far beyond the boundaries of chemistry. It touches on aspects of international law, logistics and intercultural communication. Compliance with regulations such as REACH or the CLP Regulation is not only a legal necessity, but also a sign of responsibility and professionalism in global business.
What you order from us is exactly what you get: secure, compliant and specially adapted to your requirements. For us, this means that safety, compliance and individual customer requirements are not viewed in isolation, but rather merge into a seamless package. After all, a single error in the specification or an unchecked supply chain can have fatal consequences in the chemical industry. Our customers no longer have to fight their way through the jungle of regulations, quality features, supplier relationships and political aspects, but can focus on their core competencies.
Regulations and what they are good for
The European chemicals regulation REACH is one of the most comprehensive regulations that obliges companies to register, evaluate and authorize the chemicals they manufacture, import or use. Compliance with this regulation is essential in order to be able to serve the European market and to ensure the protection of human health and the environment.
The CLP Regulation in turn harmonizes the classification and labelling of chemicals in the EU. It ensures that the hazards of chemical substances are communicated clearly and uniformly. The special Biocidal Products Regulation regulates the trade in biocidal products and aims to achieve a high level of protection for people and the environment.
These regulations challenge companies, especially when it comes to sourcing chemicals from non-EU countries. Furthermore, each country has its own regulations and standards that must be observed when importing and exporting chemicals. Navigating these regulatory differences requires specialist knowledge and can be time-consuming and risky without the appropriate expertise.
Other facets of international chemicals procurement
The transportation infrastructure also plays a crucial role. In some parts of the world, it can be affected by natural disasters or political conflicts, which impacts safe and efficient transportation. In addition, the growing focus on environmental protection and sustainability is forcing companies to adapt their logistics processes. These adjustments can cause increased costs and slow down the logistics chain. Robust goods and warehouse management is therefore essential in order to be prepared for such events and ensure security of supply for all customers.

Intercultural business practices are another aspect that plays a role in international chemicals trading. Different business cultures require a deep understanding and the ability to bridge cultural differences. This is particularly relevant for us as the COFERMIN Group operates in various international markets.

In order to meet these complex, increased requirements, we have established the position of a Quality and Compliance Manager. This role is central to monitoring compliance with international regulations and standards and ensuring that our processes, services and products also comply with them.

The ability to manage complex requirements is crucial for success in the global chemical industry. This is our daily challenge: the complexity of chemical procurement.

Derk Proff

Derk Proff

Managing Director COFERMIN Chemicals

My name is Derk Proff, and for the past five years, I have been the Managing Director at Cofermin Chemicals, with a particular focus on international sourcing.