Our mission is to support public authorities during chemical transport incidents with the right knowledge, expertise, and tools.

ICE is a collaborative initiative established by the European chemical industry to provide effective assistance during chemical transport incidents.

Across Europe, ICE aims to create a structured framework for emergency response by:

• leveraging the emergency response schemes of individual chemical companies;
• building on existing local, regional, and product-specific emergency schemes (e.g., for bromine, isocyanates, ethylene oxide, titanium tetrachloride);
• collaborating with national authorities through the National Chemical Federations.
• promoting mutual assistance within the chemical industry.

Each national ICE scheme focuses exclusively on distribution incidents—those occurring outside manufacturing sites—and is formalised through a protocol between the national chemical industry federation and the relevant national authorities.

A coordinated network connecting
ICE Centres across countries

The Centre provides immediate advice in the local language, alerts the producing company, gathers further information (including via other ICE Centres), and coordinates assistance. Equipped with modern communication tools, reference databases, and updated contact lists, it operates 24/7. Staff are trained to respond in the national language(s) and in English to ensure effective international cooperation.