Best Chemical Procurement Practices and Challenges

Undeniably, chemicals are a part and parcel of our everyday life and are involved in almost every industry across the world. Chemical procurement is a unique ball game and has several extra specifications when compared to procurement processes in other industries.

Chemical procurement is the process of acquiring items and/or ingredients for business purposes. Chemical procurement has to be done with keen eyes and wise knowledge about chemicals.

Procurement of chemicals is all about obtaining the raw materials / chemicals at the right price and specification without compromising on quality and quantity.

1. Maintaining proper data about feedstock of chemicals through software / datasheet
2. Get COA / MSDS before placing the order
3. Following CAS number is to rule out confusion in identifying compounds and serves as a common link between various nomenclature terms that describe substances.
4. Establishing proper chemical purchase list with CAS number and reviewing it from time to time
5. Maintaining data about the quantity and specifications of the chemicals purchased
6. Ignore traders & procure directly from manufacturer / supplier with assured high-quality
7. Digitalizing the procurement process through an e-commerce platform
8. Transparent communication with suppliers and build supply chain
9. Following proper safety standards while delivering chemicals and make sure labels are intact and information printed are legible at all times
10. Storage of chemicals - The right storage method begins with gaining knowledge on the properties of chemicals, their compatibility & incompatibility with other chemicals, right handling techniques, etc.

There are several best practices followed when it comes to the procurement process. Other industries follow practices like

• Open Tendering
• Restricted Tendering
• Request for Proposals (RFP)
• Two-Stage Tendering
• Request for Quotations
• Single-Source

Companies face a handful of challenges like increasing regulations, quality, sustainability, changing demand-supply situations, and more.

1. Increasing Traders

With every passing day, not just the demand for chemicals in the market increases, but traders are increasing simultaneously. So, sourcing high-quality chemicals becomes a high priority and it is hard every single time to do it right.

2. Budget goes off-limits

In order to meet the demands of the customers, sometimes companies have to pay a hefty amount to get things right on track. Situations as such occur when there is poor communication between companies and suppliers, improper maintenance of feedstock and fluctuations in the market.

3. Supply Chain Instability

If the supply chain is not proper, everything might become chaotic. Lack of transparent communication between the supplier and the company leads to poor awareness about the exact source for the raw materials and chemicals. Almost every company witnessed this issue during the pandemic.

4. Logistics Issue

Chemicals have shelf life, and buying / delivering them on time is everything that has to be considered. Sometimes, Chemical companies face issues with logistics and courier services which make things even more complicated.

5. Damaged Goods

Similar to a logistics issue, damaged goods can be a big headache. Accidental orders and damaged goods probably lead to waste of time, money and energy.




The above mentioned are a few key challenges faced by almost every company in the procurement process.

In the traditional way of sourcing chemicals, there are a lot of hurdles for companies and adapting to digitalization will reduce the issues to a certain extent.

These Hurdles can be skipped through an e-commerce marketplace platform like Ibuychemikals.com, where you can source chemicals directly from the manufacturers, hassle-free with the following advantages:

• 10K+ Chemicals & More Products
• Multiple Choice of Sellers / Brands
• Uncompromised Quality & Competitive Pricing
• Choice of chemical grades (LR, AR, HPLC & Industrial Grade) & pack size
• Chat with product expert easily
• Delivery anywhere in India
• Secure payment using EMI (Credit Card / Cardless), Credit/Debit Cards, BHIM UPI, Wallets & Net Banking
• Track the shipment online

Purchase 1mg to 1 ton from a largest selection of Lab / Research Chemicals, Specialty Chemicals, Industrial Grade Chemicals, Lab Glasswares, equipment and more.