ICE, Intervention in Chemical Transport Emergencies, is an initiative of Cefic, the European Chemical Industry Council.
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.
Learn moreHow we help: Levels of Support by ICE
Participation in a national emergency scheme is voluntary but requires a clear commitment from companies to support competent authorities in land-based chemical transport incidents.
Depending on their capabilities and resources, companies can provide three levels of support:
Level 1 Support: Substance Information
Level 2 Support: Expert Contact
Level 3 Support: Intervention Teams & Equipment
Our Purpose and values
ICE supports emergency responders across Europe in chemical transport incidents. It provides expert guidance, product-specific information, and on-site assistance to protect people and the environment.
ICE is built on safety, collaboration, expertise, responsibility, and preparedness. It ensures rapid, reliable support to minimise harm during chemical emergencies.
Backed by science, operational knowledge, and decades of real-life interventions.
We work transparently, responsibly, and with integrity—supporting authorities and protecting the environment.
We respond fast and act with professionalism. Every intervention aims to reduce impact and restore safety as quickly as possible.
A coordinated network connecting
ICE Centres across countries
The focal point of a national ICE scheme is the ICE National Centre, which emergency authorities can contact in the following situations:
- When the supplier cannot be reached
- When an incident involves international transport, requiring contact with National ICE Centres in other countries
- When mutual assistance needs to be mobilised within the national ICE scheme
- When the product or producing company cannot be readily identified
When contacted by the authorities, the National ICE Centre provides initial advice in the local language to help control the incident immediately. It promptly alerts the producing company, gathers further information (potentially via other National ICE Centres), and coordinates mutual assistance if needed.
To carry out its duties, the centre is equipped with:
- Appropriate communication equipment
- A library of reference books or databases
- Up-to-date lists of telephone numbers and email contacts within the chemical industry
The centres are staffed 24 hours a day by at least one person who, in addition to the local language(s), can communicate in English to facilitate coordination between National ICE Centres across countries.
Our numbers
When seconds count, ICE connects you with the chemical expertise you need. Coordinated across Europe. Trusted by professionals. Available 24/7.
The team
Expert Support, When It Matters Most.
When seconds count, ICE connects you with the chemical expertise you need. Coordinated across Europe. Trusted by professionals. Available 24/7.
ERICards – Cefic Emergency Response Intervention Cards
ERICards provide first responders with rapid guidance at chemical transport incidents when product information is not available.