Bulk Pharmaceutical API Sources for SODIUM CHROMATE CR-51

Bulk Pharmaceutical API Sources for SODIUM CHROMATE CR-51

Vendor	Vendor Homepage	Vendor Sku	API Url
NovoSeek		3080662
ABI Chem		AC1MIVGI
MuseChem		M055146
MuseChem		M119309

Bulk Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) Sources for: SODIUM CHROMATE CR-51

Last updated: August 3, 2025

Introduction

Sodium chromate (Na₂CrO₄) CR-51 is a highly regulated inorganic compound used primarily in industrial applications, including corrosion control, pigment manufacturing, and as a precursor to other chromium compounds used in the pharmaceutical, leather, and electroplating industries. Although it is not directly an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), its role as an intermediary in chemical synthesis positions it within pharmaceutical manufacturing supply chains, especially in processes involving chromium-based compounds. The sourcing of high-quality, compliant sodium chromate CR-51 at scale is critical for companies seeking reliable and regulatory-approved vendors. This report analyzes the global landscape of bulk sodium chromate CR-51 manufacturers and suppliers, emphasizing quality standards, geographic distribution, regulatory compliance, and market dynamics essential for business decisions.

Regulatory Landscape and Quality Standards

Sodium chromate CR-51, like other chemical intermediates used in pharmaceutical manufacturing, must adhere to stringent quality standards. Suppliers typically provide Certificates of Analysis (CoA), demonstrating compliance with ISO standards, REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals), and sometimes pharmacopoeial specifications such as USP, EP, or BP. Because chromates are classified as hazardous substances, suppliers must also comply with safety, transportation, and handling regulations established by agencies including OSHA, ECHA (European Chemicals Agency), and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). Ensuring suppliers possess Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certification and can provide batch-to-batch consistency is vital for pharmaceutical applications.

Major Global Suppliers and Manufacturers

1. China: Largest Source of Bulk Sodium Chromate CR-51

China remains the dominant producer, accounting for over 70% of global chromium chemical manufacturing capacity. Prominent Chinese companies such as Hubei Yihua Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., Shandong Zibo Electrode Material Factory, and Hunan Changyuan Chromate Chemical Co., Ltd. manufacture sodium chromate CR-51 at scale. These manufacturers benefit from established infrastructure, competitive pricing, and extensive export networks.

However, buyers must conduct rigorous due diligence to verify adherence to international quality standards and environmental regulations. Chinese suppliers often hold ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications, but variability in GMP compliance necessitates supplier audits and third-party verification.

2. India: Growing Source for Chromate Intermediates

Indian manufacturers such as Vortex Organics and Chemicals & Dyes Limited are emerging suppliers of sodium chromate. India’s chemical industry benefits from favorable regulations and significant capacities, increasingly adopting GMP practices to supply pharmaceutical-grade intermediates. Nevertheless, Indian suppliers predominantly focus on industrial grade, and specific pharmaceutical-grade CR-51 remains limited, requiring close supplier validation.

3. Europe: Focus on Quality and Compliance

European suppliers are comparatively limited, with companies like C.I. KEMIRA (formerly Kemira Chemicals) and specialty chemical firms in Germany and the UK. These suppliers prioritize high purity, strict regulatory compliance, and environmentally sustainable manufacturing processes. European sources may be preferred for pharmaceutical applications, especially when regulatory oversight necessitates compliance with EU REACH and pharmacopoeial standards.

4. North America: Specialty and Custom Supply

In North America, a few specialty chemical manufacturers, such as Allied Corp. and American Elements, offer sodium chromate CR-51, emphasizing purity, regulatory compliance, and custom synthesis for pharma-critical applications. The market is niche due to stringent regulations and environmental concerns surrounding chromate handling and disposal.

Supply Chain Dynamics and Market Considerations

Price Trends and Availability

Pricing for sodium chromate CR-51 is highly sensitive to raw material costs, environmental regulations, and geopolitical factors. Chinese producers often command lower prices due to scale, but export restrictions, tariffs, or environmental crackdowns on upstream industries can disrupt supply chains. Indian and European suppliers typically supply at a premium, emphasizing quality and compliance over cost.

Environmental and Safety Regulations

The handling and transportation of sodium chromate CR-51 are tightly regulated owing to its carcinogenicity and toxicity. Strict compliance with international regulations affects sourcing choices and inventories. Suppliers who demonstrate robust safety practices and environmental stewardship are favored, especially in pharmaceutical contexts.

Emerging Alternatives and Sustainability

Recent advances include the development of less hazardous chromium compounds and efforts to recycle chromium waste. While sodium chromate CR-51 remains prevalent, procurement strategies are increasingly focused on sustainability, supplier transparency, and lifecycle analysis.

Key Manufacturers and Suppliers Overview

Region	Leading Companies	Quality Certifications	Notes
China	Hubei Yihua Chemical, Shandong Zibo Electrode Material	ISO 9001, ISO 14001	Bulk production, cost-competitive, variable GMP adherence
India	Vortex Organics, Chemicals & Dyes Limited	ISO 9001, GMP (developing)	Growing capacity, emerging in pharma-grade supply
Europe	Kemira Chemicals, Specialty chemical firms	REACH, GMP	Emphasis on quality, regulatory compliance
North America	Allied Corp., American Elements	ISO, FDA registrations	Niche specialty suppliers, focus on compliance and purity

Procurement Best Practices

• Due Diligence: Verify supplier certifications, audit manufacturing facilities, and review batch records.
• Regulatory Alignment: Confirm compliance with relevant regional regulations (REACH, EPA, OSHA, USP).
• Quality Assurance: Request Certificates of Analysis, stability data, and samples before large-scale procurement.
• Sustainability: Prioritize suppliers with transparent environmental practices and waste management protocols.
• Pricing and Lead Time: Balance cost considerations with regulatory and quality assurance needs; consider strategic stockpiling in volatile markets.

Conclusion

The sourcing landscape for sodium chromate CR-51 is complex and heavily influenced by geographic, regulatory, and quality factors. Chinese suppliers dominate in volume and cost-efficiency, but European and North American suppliers offer higher assurance of compliance and quality standards suitable for pharmaceutical industry applications. As environmental and safety regulations tighten globally, procurement strategies must emphasize supplier validation, regulatory alignment, and sustainability.

Key Takeaways

• Regional sourcing varies: Chinese suppliers lead in volume and cost, European and North American sources emphasize regulatory compliance.
• Quality assurance is critical: Verify GMP compliance, certificates of analysis, and environmental standards.
• Regulatory compliance influences procurement: Adherence to REACH, OSHA, EPA, and pharmacopoeial standards impacts supplier selection.
• Market dynamics are volatile: Raw material prices and environmental regulations influence supply chain stability.
• Sustainability and transparency are growing priorities: Future procurement strategies should incorporate environmental impact considerations.

FAQs

Q1: Is sodium chromate CR-51 suitable for pharmaceutical applications?
A1: While primarily an industrial chemical, high-purity sodium chromate CR-51 can be used as an intermediate in pharmaceutical manufacturing when sourced from GMP-compliant suppliers with proper regulatory clearance.

Q2: What are the primary risks associated with sourcing sodium chromate CR-51?
A2: Risks include regulatory non-compliance, environmental liabilities, supply disruptions due to geopolitical or regulatory changes, and variability in product quality.

Q3: How can companies verify supplier compliance?
A3: Through review of certifications (ISO 9001, GMP), conducting on-site audits, requesting detailed Certificates of Analysis, and performing supplier assessments aligned with industry standards.

Q4: Are there environmentally safer alternatives to sodium chromate CR-51?
A4: Research is ongoing into less toxic chromium compounds and recycling methods. However, currently, sodium chromate CR-51 remains the prevalent industrial intermediate.

Q5: How does geopolitical risk affect the supply of sodium chromate CR-51?
A5: Trade restrictions, tariffs, and environmental policies can disrupt supply chains, making diversification of suppliers and strategic stockpiling critical.

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Sources:
[1] International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). "Chromium, Nickel and Welding." IARC Monographs.
[2] Chemical Safety Data Sheet (SDS). Hubei Yihua Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.
[3] European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). REACH Registration Database.
[4] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Chemical Data Reporting.
[5] Industry reports on chromium chemicals market analysis.