This article explains how product classification works in ChemCheck: what substrate, category and use type mean, and how to add multiple classification groups.

01/ Introduction

With the relaunch of the ZDHC Gateway, you can now add multiple classification groups to a single product. A new classification list takes effect from August 2026: new and edited products must use values from the new list as of that date.

Every ChemCheck product must have at least one product classification. A classification consists of three values: Substrate, Category, and Use Type. These three values form one classification group.

A product can have multiple classification groups if it is used across different substrates or applications. All classification groups are equally searchable on the Gateway.

02/ How classification drop-downs work

The three drop-downs are cascading. Each one filters based on the selection made before it:

1. Select a Substrate first. This unlocks the Category dropdown.
2. Select a Category. Only categories relevant to the selected substrate are shown. This unlocks the Use Type dropdown.
3. Select a Use Type. Only types relevant to the selected category are shown.

You cannot select a category before selecting a substrate, and you cannot select a use type before selecting a category.

03/ Adding classification groups

During product creation:

1. In the product creation form, locate the Product classification section.
2. Click Add classification.
3. Select a substrate, then a category, then a use type.
4. To add another group, click Add classification again and repeat. There is no limit on the number of classification groups.

On an existing product:

1. Open the product from your product portfolio.
2. Click Edit in the top-right corner of the product detail page.
3. In the edit panel, scroll to the Product classification section.
4. Click Add classification and complete the drop-downs.
5. Click Save to apply the changes.

04/ New classification list - August 2026

Important: All new products must use values from the new classification list. Existing products that are being edited must also be updated to use the new list values.

Existing products that are not edited after August 2026 will retain their current classification values.

See Product categorisation update: new classification list (August 2026) for a full explanation of the changes and a comparison of old and new values.

05/ Tips & Notes

Tip: If your product is used across multiple substrate types or applications, add a classification group for each one. This makes your product more discoverable in search.

Note: Classification values come from a fixed platform list — you cannot enter custom values. If the correct value for your product does not appear in the dropdown, contact ZDHC support.