On 1 February 2016, the chemical distribution industry joined together to form the new registered International Chemical Trade Association (ICTA), which is, on a global scale, replacing the International Council of Chemical Trade Associations (ICCTA). The new International Chemical Trade Association has been founded by the European Association of Chemical Distributors (FECC), the US National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD), the German and British associations VCH and CBA as well as a number of major chemical distributors.

In addition to other companies, China’s CCCMC, Brazil’s Associquim, both the Mexican and Canadian associations of chemical distributors as well as further European National Distributor Associations have been invited.

Besides ensuring the international exchange of good practices helping ICTA to expand in other countries and onto other continents, the task of the ICTA will be to coordinate international activities that take place on a global level. Regulations that concern the handling, transport, management and security of chemicals are being discussed globally more and more – often on a United Nations (UN) level. In these cases, the ICTA will speak for the chemical distribution industry worldwide. The ICTA will also promote UN initiatives like Global Compact and encourage its members to participate.

The ICTA was founded at a Brussels notary, and Brussels will also be the association’s legal seat. Birger Kuck, consultant for the chemical distribution industry, has been appointed as Interim Director General to coordinate the operational activities of the new organization. Administrative support will be provided by the FECC’s Brussels office.