Cromogenia-Units, S.A. is a leading Spanish chemical company headquartered in Barcelona that specializes in the import and distribution of naphthalene and a comprehensive range of specialty chemicals for the leather, textile, construction, coatings, lubricants, and water treatment industries. This page provides an in-depth company profile covering Cromogenia-Units' product portfolio, import activity under HS Code 27074000 (naphthalene containing more than 50% naphthalene), global sourcing network spanning 32 countries, and detailed trade classification data based on EU T.A.R.I.C. chapters.
Cromogenia-Units, S.A. is a well-established Spanish chemical company that has built a reputation as a trusted importer, formulator, and distributor of specialty chemicals across multiple industrial sectors. Founded and operating from its headquarters at C/ Cuarenta, 14-16 in the Zona Franca industrial district of Barcelona (postal code 08040), the company benefits from strategic access to one of Europe's most important ports, the Port of Barcelona. This location provides Cromogenia-Units with efficient logistics capabilities for receiving chemical imports from around the world and distributing products throughout Spain and the broader European market. The company can be reached by telephone at 0034 934 329 400 and by fax at 0034 934 226 014, with email communications directed to cromogenia@cromogenia.com.
The company's product portfolio is remarkably diversified, covering six distinct industrial sectors: leather tanning, textile processing, construction chemicals, coatings and adhesives, lubricants and metal treatment, and water treatment. This diversification strategy allows Cromogenia-Units to serve a broad customer base while mitigating the risks associated with dependence on any single industry. The company's import activity is extensive, sourcing raw materials and specialty chemicals from 32 countries across five continents, including major chemical-producing nations such as China, Germany, the United States, India, and Japan. The breadth of imported product categories, spanning 19 EU T.A.R.I.C. chapters, demonstrates the company's sophisticated procurement capabilities and its role as a significant chemical supply chain intermediary in the European market.
Cromogenia-Units' position within Spain's chemical industry is strengthened by its investment in research and development and its commitment to sustainable chemistry. The company has developed proprietary formulations and processes, particularly in the leather tanning sector, where its zeolite-based products represent a breakthrough in environmentally responsible leather processing. This focus on innovation and sustainability aligns with the European Union's increasingly stringent environmental regulations and the growing demand from consumers and industrial clients for eco-friendly chemical solutions. As a naphthalene importer operating under HS Code 27074000, Cromogenia-Units sources this important chemical intermediate from international suppliers for use in the production of dyes, resins, tanning agents, and other specialty chemical formulations that serve its diverse industrial customer base.
Cromogenia-Units, S.A. has developed a comprehensive and diversified product portfolio that serves six major industrial sectors. Each sector requires specialized chemical knowledge, regulatory compliance, and technical support, reflecting the company's broad expertise in specialty chemicals. The following sections detail the company's product offerings and capabilities across each of these industry verticals.
Cromogenia-Units provides comprehensive chemical solutions covering every stage of the leather tanning process, from initial beamhouse operations through to final finishing. The beamhouse product line includes liming agents, deliming agents, bating enzymes, and degreasing chemicals that prepare raw hides and skins for the tanning process. The company's tanning portfolio features both conventional chromium-based tanning agents and innovative eco-friendly alternatives, including their pioneering zeolite-based tanning system that significantly enhances the biodegradability of leather without the use of heavy metals. Retanning agents, fat liquors, dyeing auxiliaries, and finishing products complete the leather industry range, enabling tanneries to achieve desired leather characteristics in terms of softness, color fastness, water resistance, and mechanical strength. The leather chemicals division represents a core business area for Cromogenia-Units, reflecting Spain's position as one of Europe's leading leather-producing countries with major tanning clusters in Catalonia, Valencia, and Castile-La Mancha.
The textile industry product line encompasses a wide range of specialty chemicals used in fabric processing, including dyeing auxiliaries, fixing agents, softening compounds, printing thickeners and binders, and coating formulations. Cromogenia-Units offers water-based polyurethane dispersions (PUDs) that provide environmentally friendly alternatives to solvent-based textile coatings, acrylic emulsions for textile printing and finishing applications, and crosslinking agents that improve the durability and performance of textile finishes. The company's textile chemicals are designed to meet the demanding performance requirements of modern textile manufacturing while complying with environmental regulations such as the EU REACH regulation and OEKO-TEX certification standards. The Spanish textile industry, concentrated in Catalonia and the Valencia region, represents a significant market for these products, with applications ranging from fashion and apparel textiles to technical textiles used in automotive, medical, and industrial applications.
Beyond leather and textiles, Cromogenia-Units supplies specialized chemical solutions for four additional industrial sectors. In the construction industry, the company provides admixtures, sealants, and specialty construction chemicals that enhance the performance of concrete, mortars, and other building materials. For the coatings and adhesives sector, Cromogenia-Units offers resins, additives, and performance enhancers that improve the durability, appearance, and application properties of paints, varnishes, and adhesive formulations. The lubricants and metal treatment division supplies specialized chemicals for industrial lubrication, metal cleaning, surface treatment, and corrosion protection applications. Finally, the water treatment product line includes coagulants, flocculants, biocides, and other treatment chemicals used in municipal and industrial water treatment plants. This six-sector diversification positions Cromogenia-Units as a versatile chemical importer capable of serving the complex and evolving needs of Spain's industrial base, while its global sourcing network of 32 countries ensures competitive pricing and reliable supply continuity for its customers.
Cromogenia-Units, S.A. is identified as an active importer of naphthalene in Spain, operating under HS Code 27074000 which covers naphthalene containing more than 50% naphthalene by weight, excluding chemically defined compounds. Naphthalene is a critical chemical intermediate derived from coal tar and petroleum refining processes, widely used in the manufacture of phthalic anhydride (a precursor for plasticizers and polyester resins), naphthalene sulfonates (used as superplasticizers in concrete), tanning agents, dye intermediates, and specialty chemical formulations. As a major chemical importer with diversified product lines across leather, textile, and construction sectors, Cromogenia-Units' naphthalene imports serve as raw material for several of its core product formulations.
The import of naphthalene under HS Code 27074000 is subject to specific regulatory requirements within the European Union, including REACH registration for substances manufactured or imported in quantities exceeding one tonne per year, classification and labeling under the CLP Regulation (EC No 1272/2008), and compliance with occupational exposure limits. Naphthalene is classified as a substance of very high concern (SVHC) candidate under REACH due to its hazardous properties, including its classification as a carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic for reproduction (CMR) substance. Importers handling naphthalene in the EU must implement strict safety measures, provide safety data sheets (SDS) to downstream users, and ensure proper storage, handling, and disposal procedures in accordance with EU environmental and workplace safety regulations.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| HS Code | 27074000 |
| Product Description | Naphthalene containing more than 50% of naphthalene (excl. chemically defined) |
| EU T.A.R.I.C. Chapter | Chapter 27 - Mineral Fuels, Mineral Oils and Products of Their Distillation |
| Importer | Cromogenia-Units, S.A. |
| Country | Spain |
| Primary Applications | Tanning agents, dye intermediates, phthalic anhydride production, concrete superplasticizers, specialty chemical formulations |
| REACH Status | Registered substance; SVHC candidate due to CMR classification |
Cromogenia-Units, S.A. maintains an extensive global sourcing network, importing chemicals from 32 countries across five continents. This diversified import strategy ensures supply chain resilience, competitive pricing, and access to specialized chemical products from the world's leading manufacturing nations. The company's import sources range from major chemical-producing countries in Europe and Asia to emerging market suppliers in South America and Africa, reflecting the global nature of the specialty chemicals trade and Cromogenia-Units' sophisticated procurement capabilities.
| Region | Countries | Count | Key Products Sourced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Europe | Germany, France, Italy, United Kingdom, Belgium, Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Portugal, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, EU Territories | 18 | Specialty chemicals, organic intermediates, machinery |
| Asia | China, India, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia, Israel, Pakistan | 8 | Bulk chemicals, dyes, tanning agents, naphthalene |
| Americas | United States, Argentina, Brazil, Peru | 4 | Vegetable extracts, animal fats, mineral oils |
| Africa | South Africa, Ethiopia | 2 | Raw hides and skins, natural extracts |
The geographic distribution of Cromogenia-Units' import sources reveals a well-balanced procurement strategy. European countries account for the largest share of import sources (18 out of 32 countries), reflecting the company's integration into European chemical supply chains and the EU's single market advantages including reduced customs formalities, harmonized regulations, and efficient transportation networks. Asian countries represent the second-largest group (8 countries), with China, India, and Japan serving as critical sources of bulk chemicals, dye intermediates, and specialty chemical products. The Americas (4 countries) and Africa (2 countries) provide additional sourcing diversity, particularly for raw materials such as hides and skins from Ethiopia and Peru, and vegetable-based raw materials from Argentina and Brazil. Russia is also listed as an import source, reflecting historical trade relationships in the chemical sector.
Cromogenia-Units' import activity spans 19 distinct EU T.A.R.I.C. (Integrated Tariff of the European Communities) chapters, demonstrating the extraordinary breadth of the company's chemical and raw material procurement operations. The T.A.R.I.C. classification system is used by EU customs authorities to classify imported goods, determine applicable duty rates, and enforce trade policy measures. The diversity of chapters under which Cromogenia-Units imports goods reflects its role as a multi-sector chemical company that sources raw materials, intermediates, finished chemical products, and industrial equipment from global suppliers.
| Ch. | Description |
|---|---|
| 13 | Lac; Gums, Resins and Other Vegetable Saps and Extracts |
| 14 | Vegetable Plaiting Materials; Vegetable Products Not Elsewhere Specified |
| 15 | Animal or Vegetable Fats and Oils; Prepared Edible Fats; Waxes |
| 25 | Salt; Sulphur; Earths and Stone; Plastering Materials, Lime and Cement |
| 27 | Mineral Fuels, Mineral Oils and Products of Their Distillation (includes naphthalene HS 27074000) |
| 28 | Inorganic Chemicals; Compounds of Precious Metals, Rare-Earth Metals, Radioactive Elements |
| 29 | Organic Chemicals |
| 32 | Tanning or Dyeing Extracts; Tannins; Dyes, Pigments; Paints, Varnishes; Inks |
| 34 | Soap, Surface-Active Agents, Washing Preparations, Lubricating Preparations, Waxes |
| 35 | Albuminoidal Substances; Modified Starches; Glues; Enzymes |
| 38 | Miscellaneous Chemical Products |
| 39 | Plastics and Articles Thereof |
| 41 | Raw Hides and Skins (Other Than Furskins) and Leather |
| 44 | Wood and Articles of Wood; Wood Charcoal |
| 48 | Paper and Paperboard; Articles of Paper Pulp, Paper or Paperboard |
| 68 | Articles of Stone, Plaster, Cement, Asbestos, Mica or Similar Materials |
| 69 | Ceramic Products |
| 73 | Articles of Iron or Steel |
| 84 | Nuclear Reactors, Boilers, Machinery and Mechanical Appliances; Parts |
| 90 | Optical, Photographic, Measuring, Medical or Surgical Instruments; Parts |
The T.A.R.I.C. chapter analysis reveals that Cromogenia-Units' core import activity is concentrated in the chemicals sector, with Chapters 28 (Inorganic Chemicals), 29 (Organic Chemicals), 32 (Tanning and Dyeing Extracts), 34 (Surface-Active Agents and Lubricants), 35 (Enzymes and Glues), and 38 (Miscellaneous Chemical Products) forming the backbone of its procurement portfolio. Chapter 27 is particularly significant as it includes HS Code 27074000 for naphthalene imports. The company also imports raw materials for its leather industry operations under Chapter 41 (Raw Hides and Skins) and industrial inputs under Chapters 39 (Plastics), 44 (Wood), and 48 (Paper). The presence of Chapters 68, 69, 73, 84, and 90 indicates that Cromogenia-Units also imports industrial equipment, construction materials, and instrumentation to support its manufacturing and distribution operations.
Cromogenia-Units, S.A. has positioned sustainability and environmental responsibility as central pillars of its business strategy, recognizing both the regulatory imperatives of operating within the European Union and the growing market demand for eco-friendly chemical products. The company's commitment to sustainability is most prominently demonstrated through its research and development efforts in the leather tanning sector, where it has developed innovative zeolite-based tanning processes that represent a significant advance in environmentally responsible leather processing. Zeolite-based tanning agents enhance the biodegradability of leather byproducts without the use of heavy metals such as chromium, addressing one of the most significant environmental concerns associated with traditional leather tanning methods.
The company's R&D investments extend beyond zeolite technology to encompass the broader development of high-performance, environmentally friendly chemical formulations across all six of its industry sectors. In the textile sector, Cromogenia-Units' water-based polyurethane dispersions and acrylic emulsions reduce the reliance on volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to air pollution and workplace health hazards. The company's water treatment product line supports environmental protection efforts by helping industrial and municipal water treatment facilities achieve compliance with EU water quality standards. This comprehensive approach to sustainability, combining product innovation with operational environmental management, positions Cromogenia-Units as a forward-thinking chemical importer that is well-prepared to meet the increasingly stringent environmental requirements of the European Green Deal and the EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Cromogenia-Units, S.A. |
| Address | C/ Cuarenta, 14-16, Sector E, Zona Franca, 08040 Barcelona, Spain |
| Telephone | 0034 934 329 400 |
| Fax | 0034 934 226 014 |
| cromogenia@cromogenia.com | |
| Website | cromogenia.com |
| Industrial Zone | Zona Franca, Barcelona |
| Key Import | Naphthalene (HS Code 27074000) |
What is HS Code 27074000 and what does it cover?
HS Code 27074000 covers naphthalene containing more than 50% of naphthalene by weight, excluding chemically defined naphthalene compounds. This classification falls under Chapter 27 of the Harmonized System (Mineral Fuels, Mineral Oils and Products of Their Distillation). In the EU T.A.R.I.C. system, this code is used to track imports of crude and refined naphthalene used as a chemical intermediate in the production of phthalic anhydride, naphthalene sulfonates, tanning agents, dye intermediates, and concrete superplasticizers.
Why does Cromogenia-Units import naphthalene?
Cromogenia-Units imports naphthalene as a raw material and chemical intermediate for multiple product lines across its six industry sectors. Naphthalene is used in the formulation of tanning agents for the leather industry, as a precursor for dye intermediates and specialty chemicals used in textile processing, and as a raw material for concrete admixtures in the construction sector. The company's diverse product portfolio creates demand for naphthalene across several of its core business areas.
How many countries does Cromogenia-Units import from?
Cromogenia-Units imports chemicals and raw materials from 32 countries worldwide, spanning Europe (18 countries including Germany, France, Italy, and the UK), Asia (8 countries including China, India, Japan, and South Korea), the Americas (4 countries including the United States, Argentina, Brazil, and Peru), and Africa (2 countries: South Africa and Ethiopia). This global sourcing strategy ensures supply chain resilience and competitive pricing.
What is the zeolite-based tanning process developed by Cromogenia-Units?
Cromogenia-Units has developed an innovative leather tanning process that uses zeolite minerals as a replacement for traditional chromium-based tanning agents. Zeolite-based tanning enhances the biodegradability of leather processing byproducts, eliminates the use of heavy metals that pose environmental and health risks, and produces leather with comparable quality characteristics to conventionally tanned leather. This technology represents a significant advance in sustainable leather processing.
What EU T.A.R.I.C. chapters are most relevant to Cromogenia-Units' chemical imports?
The most relevant T.A.R.I.C. chapters for Cromogenia-Units include Chapter 27 (containing naphthalene HS Code 27074000), Chapter 28 (Inorganic Chemicals), Chapter 29 (Organic Chemicals), Chapter 32 (Tanning and Dyeing Extracts), Chapter 34 (Surface-Active Agents), Chapter 35 (Enzymes), and Chapter 38 (Miscellaneous Chemical Products). These chapters collectively cover the core chemical imports that serve the company's six industry sectors.
Where is Cromogenia-Units located and what are the logistics advantages?
Cromogenia-Units is headquartered in the Zona Franca industrial district of Barcelona, Spain (C/ Cuarenta, 14-16, 08040 Barcelona). The Zona Franca is a special economic zone adjacent to the Port of Barcelona, one of Europe's largest and most important Mediterranean ports. This location provides the company with excellent logistics infrastructure, direct port access for chemical imports, efficient customs processing, and strategic connectivity to European road and rail freight networks for product distribution.