4246 - Chemical and Allied Products Merchant Wholesalers

In the vast and complex world of wholesale trade, NAICS code 4246 stands out as a critical classification—Chemical and Allied Products Merchant Wholesalers. Whether you’re a business owner, government contractor, or an industry analyst, understanding this NAICS code can unlock opportunities and insights related to the distribution of chemicals and allied products. This blog post delves into everything you need to know about NAICS 4246, its business activities, sector relevance, size standards, and more.

---

What is NAICS Code 4246?

NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) code 4246 covers establishments primarily engaged in the merchant wholesale distribution of chemicals and allied products. These businesses act as intermediaries, selling chemical products to manufacturers, industrial users, and other businesses, rather than directly to individual consumers.

Typical products distributed under this code include:

• Industrial chemicals
• Dyes and pigments
• Specialty chemical products

---

Sector Overview: Wholesale Trade

NAICS code 4246 falls under the broader Wholesale Trade sector (NAICS 42). This sector contains businesses that sell or arrange the purchase or sale of goods for resale, commercial use, or business operations. Specifically, firms classified under 4246 specialize in chemicals and allied goods, facilitating the supply chain for industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, textiles, and more.

---

Typical Business Types and Activities under NAICS 4246

Companies operating under this NAICS code frequently engage in:

• Merchant wholesale distribution of industrial chemicals
• Distribution of dyes, pigments, and other coloring agents
• Wholesaling of specialty chemical products used in varied industrial applications
• Acting as intermediaries between chemical manufacturers and end users such as factories and labs

Examples:

• Industrial chemical wholesalers
• Dye and pigment distributors
• Specialty chemical product wholesalers

---

Size Standards for NAICS 4246

For government contracting and small business purposes, the Small Business Administration (SBA) sets size standards primarily based on annual revenue:

NAICS Code	Industry Title	Size Standard (Annual Revenue)
4246	Chemical and Allied Products Merchant Wholesalers	$38.5 million

Businesses with annual receipts at or below $38.5 million generally meet the small business definition under NAICS 4246, which can be advantageous for government contract eligibility and other programs.

---

NAICS Code 4246 Details at a Glance

Attribute	Details
NAICS Code	4246
Title	Chemical and Allied Products Merchant Wholesalers
Sector	Wholesale Trade (NAICS 42)
Description	Establishments engaged in wholesale distribution of chemicals and allied products to businesses and industrial users.
Typical Business Types	Industrial chemical wholesalers, dye and pigment distributors, specialty chemical product wholesalers
Size Standard	$38.5 million (annual revenue)

---

FAQs About NAICS Code 4246

Q1: What types of products are distributed under NAICS 4246?
A1: This code covers a wide range of chemical products, including industrial chemicals, specialty chemicals, dyes, and pigments used primarily by manufacturers and industrial businesses.

Q2: Do companies under this NAICS code sell directly to consumers?
A2: No, businesses classified under NAICS 4246 sell chemicals to other businesses rather than individual consumers.

Q3: What industries rely on NAICS 4246 wholesalers?
A3: Key customers include manufacturing, textile, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and other industrial sectors requiring chemical inputs.

Q4: How do size standards impact small businesses in this category?
A4: Meeting size standards (under $38.5 million revenue) allows businesses to qualify as small enterprises eligible for various SBA-backed contracts and programs.

---

Conclusion

NAICS code 4246—Chemical and Allied Products Merchant Wholesalers—plays a vital role in the supply chain of diverse industrial and manufacturing sectors. By specializing in the wholesale distribution of crucial chemical products, businesses under this classification support countless industries and contribute significantly to the economy. Whether you are exploring contracting opportunities, market research, or industry analysis, understanding NAICS 4246 is key to navigating the chemical wholesale landscape effectively.

---

Keywords: NAICS 4246, Chemical and Allied Products Merchant Wholesalers, industrial chemical wholesalers, chemical distribution, wholesale trade chemicals, NAICS code size standards