The Conselho Regional de Química – IV Região (CRQ‑SP) is the Regional Chemistry Council responsible for regulating, supervising, and promoting the professional and ethical practices of chemical professionals and organizations across the state of São Paulo, Brazil. As one of the most influential regulatory bodies under the Federal Council System (Conselho Federal de Química – CFQ), CRQ‑SP plays a critical role in the technical development and legal compliance of the chemical sector in the country’s largest economic region.
Core Purpose and Institutional Mandate
CRQ‑SP operates under Law No. 2.800/1956, which established the federal regulatory framework for chemical professionals in Brazil. Its core responsibilities include:
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Professional Registration and Licensing
Mandatory registration of chemists, chemical technicians, and related professionals. -
Certification and Credentialing
Issuance of technical responsibility certificates (Certificado de Responsabilidade Técnica – CRT) to professionals and institutions. -
Oversight and Inspection (Fiscalização)
Regular audits and on-site inspections to verify regulatory compliance in chemical industries, laboratories, and academic institutions. -
Public and Environmental Protection
Enforcing proper conduct, environmental responsibility, and chemical safety in professional practice. -
Continuing Education and Training
Organizing and accrediting technical courses, seminars, and webinars to promote knowledge dissemination and skill development.
Key Services and Activities
CRQ‑SP provides a range of institutional and public-facing services, including:
- Online Registration System (SIC)
- Transparency Portal (Expenditure, Contracts, Audits)
- Digital Licensing and Certificates
- Professional Directory
- Complaints and Sanitation Violation Reporting
In 2023 alone, CRQ‑SP processed over 6,000 professional registrations, conducted more than 1,400 inspections, and facilitated dozens of technical webinars and continuing education programs for chemistry professionals.
Specialization and Unique Impact
What distinguishes CRQ‑SP is its focus on:
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Professional Regulation with Social Accountability
Ensuring that chemistry is practiced legally and ethically in ways that protect the environment and public health. -
Innovation in Transparency
One of the few regulatory bodies in Brazil with a fully interactive Transparency Portal showcasing budgets, tenders, contracts, and internal audits. -
Digital Governance
Full transition to online certification systems, increasing process efficiency and user accessibility. -
Public Engagement
Educational campaigns on chemical safety, plastic pollution, water treatment, and sustainable industry practices.
Organizational Structure and Governance
CRQ‑SP is overseen by an elected plenary council, composed of licensed chemical professionals who serve as board members. The council operates via specialized committees on ethics, education, technical standards, and inspections.
- President: Appointed through an internal election process among elected councilors.
- Inspection Teams: Comprised of credentialed chemical inspectors who monitor thousands of companies annually.
- Administrative Staff: Manages registration, legal, financial, and educational departments from its São Paulo headquarters.
Geographic and Professional Reach
CRQ‑SP is the largest regional council in Brazil’s federal chemical system:
- Jurisdiction: Entire state of São Paulo
- Registered Professionals: Over 180,000 active registrations
- Registered Companies: More than 24,000 institutions and chemical entities
- Inspection Operations: Over 7,000 field visits annually
São Paulo represents the industrial and academic heart of Brazil’s chemical ecosystem, making CRQ‑SP a cornerstone institution for the country’s science and technology advancement.
Financial and Institutional Transparency
Through its Transparency Portal, CRQ‑SP discloses:
- Annual Budget: Approx. BRL 45 million
- Major Expenditures: Inspections, digital systems, legal administration, continuing education
- Public Tenders and Contracts: Fully available and updated monthly
This model enhances stakeholder trust and provides institutional accountability.
Digital Presence and Community Engagement
CRQ‑SP actively connects with the public through:
- Instagram (@crqsp) – Over 23,000 followers, sharing infographics, job alerts, and educational content.
- YouTube Channel – Dozens of recorded webinars and interviews with professionals.
- Facebook – Announcements, public campaigns, and service updates.
These platforms are central to engaging both professionals and students in the chemical sciences.
Major Achievements
- Pioneer in Online Registration Systems among Brazil’s regional councils
- Leader in Environmental Compliance Enforcement in São Paulo’s chemical sector
- Organizer of National Chemistry Weeks with thousands of participants
- Strategic Partner with Universities and Technical Institutes for training programs
- Awarded by the Federal Chemistry Council (CFQ) for excellence in governance
Public Reputation and Recognition
CRQ‑SP is consistently recognized as one of Brazil’s most active and impactful professional councils. Stakeholders in academia, industry, and government acknowledge its role in:
- Upholding professional ethics
- Enhancing chemical safety standards
- Supporting education and professional development
The council’s proactive enforcement and engagement initiatives have made it a respected authority in the Brazilian scientific community.