This article explains how chemical formulator accounts work on the ZDHC Gateway, including the difference between having an account and having an active subscription, and what each status allows you to do.
01/ Introduction
In the previous version of the ZDHC Gateway, chemical formulators had a 30-day trial period, after which a subscription was required to keep the account active. In the relaunched ZDHC Gateway, this has changed significantly. There is no trial period, and accounts are never deleted for not having a subscription. A subscription is only required to publish products.
Having an account and having a subscription are two separate things for Chemical Formulators. You can have an account without a subscription. However, a subscription is required to publish your chemical products so they are visible to other organisations on the platform.
02/ Account scenarios
Account without a subscription
Any Chemical Formulator can have a ZDHC Gateway account without a paid subscription. An account without a subscription allows you to:
- Log in to the ZDHC Gateway and access your organisation.
- Set up and manage your product database internally.
- Prepare product information and documentation in advance.
An account without a subscription does not allow you to:
- Publish products so they are visible to other organisations.
- Have your products appear in search results on the Gateway.
Account with a subscription
A subscription unlocks the ability to publish products on the ZDHC Gateway. Once published, your products are visible to brands, facilities, and other organisations that search the chemical product database.
To get a subscription, follow the subscription process in the Cost & Fees section of the Knowledge Base or contact ZDHC support.
03/ How other organisations see Formulators without subscriptions
It is possible to find a Chemical Formulator's organisation on the Gateway even if that Formulator does not have an active subscription or any published products. Organisations can search for Formulators by name or organisation ID.
If a Formulator has no published products, their organisation appears in search results but no products are shown.
Note: Currently, it is not possible to contact a Formulator directly through the Gateway. If you want to reach out to a Formulator whose products are not yet published, you will need to contact them outside the platform.
04/ Tips & Notes
Tip: If you are a Chemical Formulator preparing for your first subscription, use the time beforehand to set up your product database. Once you activate a subscription and publish your products, they become immediately searchable by other organisations.
Note: Only published products appear in ZDHC Gateway search results. Products that are in draft, under review, or awaiting certification are not visible to other users.