New ESAD 2026 questionnaires now in effect for chemical distributor assessments

The updated European Single Assessment Document (ESAD) 2026 questionnaires came into effect on 17 July and are now available for use in SQAS assessments of chemical distributors.

ESAD provides a common framework to evaluate safety, quality, environmental, security and sustainability practices across chemical distribution activities.

Each year, more than 800 logistics service providers and chemical distributors are assessed through SQAS. These assessments are based on a common SQAS Core Questionnaire, complemented by activity-specific modules covering transport services, rail operators, tank cleaning stations, warehouses, container depots and transfer terminals, as well as chemical distributors.

The ESAD 2026 update introduces several enhancements to reflect evolving industry priorities. The revised questionnaires place greater emphasis on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, digitalisation, and cybersecurity, supporting continuous improvement in environmental performance and responsible business practices throughout the chemical distribution sector.

The updated questionnaires and supporting resources are now available: https://sqas.org/resources/