CAS Number

Definition:

The CAS number (Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number) is a unique numeric identification number for chemical substances issued by the Chemical Abstracts Service. Each CAS number references a specific chemical substance or group of substances and enables it to be uniquely assigned regardless of trade names, synonyms or chemical names. CAS numbers are used worldwide in science, industry, regulation, and safety documentation to simplify substance identification, data retrieval, and communication.

Structure and function in chemicals management
A CAS number consists of three blocks of numbers separated by hyphens and serves as a global reference key in substance databases, safety data sheets, dangerous goods regulations and regulatory systems. It simplifies the unambiguous identification of chemical substances across language and system boundaries.

Use in regulatory systems
CAS numbers are used in REACH registrations, lists of hazardous substances and safety data sheets, among other things, and help authorities and companies with classification, classification and compliance.

_{Sources/further links:
CAS Official Explanation: CAS REGISTRY | CAS}

_{ECHA — Use of CAS numbers in REACH dossiers: Information about chemicals - ECHA}

Challenges when using CAS numbers:

Ambiguity or lack of substance allocations in supply chains
Despite CAS numbers, there are uncertainties in supply chains when substance data is missing in systems, incorrectly maintained or different names are used. This makes correct substance identification, documentation and safety assessment difficult — particularly with international partners or mixing/formulation products.
_{Sources/further links:
ECHA guidance — challenges in substance identification & naming: Guidelines - ECHA}

Manual data maintenance and consistency issues in business systems
CAS numbers are often entered manually in ERP, SDS and logistics systems, which can lead to inconsistencies, typing errors or outdated entries. This can hinder the correct allocation of dangerous goods and documentation requirements.
_{Sources/further links:
OECD Chemical Safety & Data Harmonization Discussion: Chemical safety and biosafety | OECD}

Loady's solution:

Clear, structured material references in a transport context
Loady enables centralized maintenance and allocation of product-specific information such as material and dangerous goods data. As a result, substances can be clearly referenced, which creates clarity for transport partners and reduces errors in documentation requirements.

Avoiding inconsistencies through standardized data maintenance
Through a uniform structure, controlled data fields and authorizations, Loady ensures that critical substance information — such as CAS references in SDS obligations — is reliable and up-to-date. This supports a secure and compliant logistics chain.