History
CHEMTREC began operations in September of 1971. But our roots go back to 1918.
1918
Responding to a series of railway accidents involving shipments of corrosive liquids vital to war efforts, the Manufacturing Chemists’ Association (MCA) forms a committee devoted to the improvement of liquid chemical shipping containers.
1932
MCA begins a comprehensive program of Safety Manuals and Safety Data Sheets. Each data sheet details a product’s physical and chemical properties, its hazards, instructions on safe handling and first-aid treatment, required labeling or identification, and methods of unloading and emptying various types of containers.
1969
The U.S. Department of Transportation meets with MCA to determine the best approach for reporting and responding to emergency situations involving chemicals in transport.
1970
MCA establishes CHEMTREC (CHEMical TRansportation Emergency Center), to provide chemical-specific information to emergency responders around the clock. Members authored over 1,600 chemical cards representing the chemicals most frequently involved in transportation.
1971
On September 5th, CHEMTREC becomes fully operational.
1978
MCA becomes the Chemical Manufacturer’s Association (CMA).
1980
The U.S. Department of Transportation formally recognizes CHEMTREC as an approved source of information and advice relating to chemical and other hazardous materials incidents.
1985
CHEMTREC adds foreign language translation for foreign shipments originating or terminating in the U.S.
1986
TRANSCAER®, a national outreach program, is founded to assist communities and prepare responders for hazmat incidents.
1988
The CMA implements the Responsible Care program.
1989
The U.S. Department of Defense and CHEMTREC executes a memorandum of understanding (MOU) stipulating that CHEMTREC would respond as quickly as possible to an incident or accident involving munitions or explosives.
1995
The U.S. Army Chemical Biological Defense Command (CBDCOM) and CHEMTREC executed an MOU stipulating that CHEMTREC would assist CBDCOM in responding as quickly as possible to an incident or accident involving “hazardous industrial chemicals."
2000
CMA becomes the American Chemistry Council (ACC).
2001
On 9/11, CHEMTREC provides critical information to the New York Police Department’s Hazardous Materials team as they evaluate the potential effect of chemicals contained in the collapse of the World Trade Center’s twin towers.
2002
The Chemical Sector Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ISAC) is created through an agreement between the FBI’s National Infrastructure Protection Center and the ACC. CHEMTREC is asked to operate the ISAC.
2003
CHEMTREC starts offering extended service protocols (ESP), including Worldwide Authorization to customers who need additional CHEMTREC services.
2004
CHEMTREC launches medical emergency response information coverage.
2006
CHEMTREC hosts the first International Emergency Response Summit in Miami, Florida.
2009
CHEMTREC develops industry solution for effective marking of lithium batteries in transportation.
2010
CHEMTREC signs an MOU with like-organizations in Latin America.
2012
CHEMTREC signs an MOU for mutual assistance with China’s National Registration Center for Chemicals (NRCC).
2017
CHEMTREC launches SDS Direct, including SDS Access, Distribution and Indexing, which is now called SDS Solutions.
2019
CHEMTREC launches Online Hazmat Training and holds its second International Hazmat Summit in Houston, TX. The CHEMTREC HELP Award is established to help volunteer fire departments enhance their response capabilities to hazmat incidents.
2020
CHEMTREC offers CRITERION lithium battery test summary management service and partners with China’s National Registration Center for Chemicals (NRCC) to create a unified global response for chemical emergencies in China.
2021
CHEMTREC celebrates 50 years and launches Consulting Solutions services.
2022
CHEMTREC holds its third International Hazmat Summit in New Orleans, LA.
2023
CHEMTREC offers Safety Data Sheet Authoring.
2024
CHEMTREC offers Incident Reporting for carriers.
Who We Are
Dedicated Leadership
The experience of our leadership team helps make CHEMTREC the chemical industry’s leading source of hazmat information and support.
Career Opportunities
Help make the world a safer place by joining the CHEMTREC team. Browse our current openings and apply on the portal.
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