Chemical Sector

The Chemical Sector is an integral component of the U.S. economy, relying on and supporting a wide range of other critical infrastructure sectors.

Sector Overview

The sector can be divided into five main segments, based on the end product produced:

• Basic chemicals
• Specialty chemicals
• Agricultural chemicals
• Pharmaceuticals
• Consumer products

Each of these segments has distinct characteristics, growth dynamics, markets, new developments, and issues.

The majority of Chemical Sector facilities are privately owned, requiring the Department of Homeland Security to work closely with the private sector and its industry associations to:

• Set goals and objectives.
• Identify assets.
• Assess risks.
• Prioritize needs.
• Implement protective programs.

The Department of Homeland Security builds stakeholder capacity and enhances critical infrastructure security and resilience through voluntary partnerships that provide training, resources, and exercises. The Department has also issued regulatory Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) for any facility that manufactures, uses, stores, or distributes certain chemicals at or above specified quantities or concentrations.

Sector-Specific Plan

The Chemical Sector-Specific Plan details how the National Infrastructure Protection Plan's risk management framework is implemented within the sector's unique characteristics and risk landscape. Each Sector-Specific Agency develops a sector-specific plan through a coordinated effort involving its public and private sector partners. The Department of Homeland Security is designated as the Sector-Specific Agency for the Chemical Sector.

Chemical Sector Security Summit

The annual Chemical Sector Security Summit is an industry-wide networking and educational event co-sponsored each year by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Chemical Sector Coordinating Council (SCC). The Summit features information vital for chemical security and brings together key government and industry stakeholders with a shared vision to enhance our nation’s chemical security.

Visit the Chemical Sector Security Summit page to get more information on the 2016 Summit held in Alexandria, Va., on July 19-21, 2016.

Sector Resources

The Chemical Sector Resources page includes information on the Chemical Sector Security Summit and available sector training and publications.

Sector Training

The Chemical Sector Training page includes a listing of Chemical Sector training, including seminars and exercises.

Chemical Sector: NIPP in Action Video

Watch the Chemical Sector: NIPP in Action video.

Contact Information