DKSH Performance Materials China Ltd. (大昌华嘉化学国际贸易（上海）有限公司) is the Chinese subsidiary of DKSH, a leading Market Expansion Services provider headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. With a strong global footprint and local expertise, DKSH Performance Materials China serves as a vital link between world-class specialty ingredient manufacturers and clients across a broad range of industries in China. The company’s Shanghai-based operations specialize in the import, marketing, distribution, and innovation of performance materials and specialty chemicals.
Core Business and Product Portfolio
DKSH Performance Materials China provides high-quality raw materials and functional ingredients to manufacturers in key sectors:
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Specialty Chemicals
- High-performance additives, resins, polymers, and intermediates for industrial applications including coatings, construction, electronics, and adhesives.
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Food & Beverage Ingredients
- Emulsifiers, stabilizers, flavors, sweeteners, and nutritional ingredients for dairy, beverages, bakery, and confectionery industries.
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Pharmaceutical Ingredients
- APIs (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients), excipients, and intermediates for drug formulation and production.
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Personal Care & Cosmetics Ingredients
- Surfactants, emollients, actives, and functional additives used in skincare, haircare, and cosmetic formulations.
These product offerings are backed by regulatory support, technical consultation, and formulation development services tailored to local market needs.
Specialisation and Unique Value Proposition
DKSH Performance Materials China excels through its end-to-end value chain support, offering:
- Turnkey market expansion services from sourcing to after-sales technical support
- A deep international supplier network with exclusive representation of globally renowned manufacturers
- Regulatory affairs expertise to navigate complex compliance requirements in China (e.g., SAMR, SFDA)
- In-house innovation centers and application labs to co-develop products with clients
- Focus on sustainable and trend-aligned ingredients, including natural and plant-based alternatives
The company’s positioning as both a distributor and strategic growth partner differentiates it from traditional trading firms.
Financials and Market Presence
DKSH Group is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange (Ticker: DKSH) and reported:
- 2023 Group Revenue: CHF 11.3 billion (approx. USD 12.7 billion)
- Performance Materials Division Revenue: CHF 1.33 billion (approx. USD 1.49 billion)
- Presence in 37 countries, with over 33,000 employees globally
China is one of the largest markets for DKSH in Asia. DKSH Performance Materials China has:
- Over 500 employees across offices in Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Beijing
- Local partnerships with over 300 global and regional suppliers
- Active business with 2,000+ industrial clients in China
Import and Distribution Capabilities
DKSH Performance Materials China is a top-tier importer and logistics integrator for specialty ingredients. Their capabilities include:
- Importation of regulated food, pharma, and chemical materials under China’s strict customs and CIQ systems
- Cold-chain and hazard-class warehousing in strategic regions
- Direct-to-customer and just-in-time delivery systems enabled by SAP-integrated logistics
- Participation in cross-border e-commerce and bonded zone distribution
Shipment records show consistent imports from EU, Japan, the US, and ASEAN countries, catering to high-value formulations.
Certifications and Compliance
DKSH Performance Materials China ensures full regulatory compliance across all business segments:
- ISO 9001:2015 Certified for quality management
- ISO 14001:2015 Environmental management certification
- GDP (Good Distribution Practices) for pharmaceutical ingredients
- REACH, RoHS, FDA, EFSA, and GB standards compliance through documentation and supplier collaboration
- Expertise in NMPA registration for personal care raw materials
The company also offers clients tailored support for documentation such as MSDS, COA, TDS, and formulation dossiers.
Target Market
The company serves a broad customer base in:
- Food & Beverage: Manufacturers of health foods, beverages, flavor systems, and fortified products
- Pharmaceutical & Biotech: Formulators of generics, OTC drugs, and dietary supplements
- Personal Care: OEM and branded players in skincare, haircare, and color cosmetics
- Specialty Industrial: Manufacturers of high-performance materials in coatings, adhesives, and electronics
Clients range from multinational corporations to mid-sized local producers across Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities in China.
Capabilities and Infrastructure
- Application labs in Shanghai dedicated to food, cosmetics, and coatings R&D
- Regulatory consulting teams specialized in China’s import/export and safety standards
- Digital engagement tools, including customer portals and virtual sampling
- Custom formulation services to accelerate time-to-market for local customers
The company continues to invest in expanding lab infrastructure and sustainable ingredient innovation platforms.
Industry Recognition and Events
DKSH Performance Materials China is a regular exhibitor at:
- Food Ingredients China (FIC)
- CPhI China
- In-Cosmetics Asia
- China Coatings Show
They are frequently featured in trade publications and are members of organizations such as the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Medicines and Health Products (CCCMHPIE).
Client Testimonials
As a B2B service provider, DKSH maintains client confidentiality, but industry feedback notes:
“DKSH’s sourcing and regulatory support has saved us months in product development. Their global reach and local understanding is unmatched.”
— Procurement Director, Functional Foods Manufacturer, East China
“Reliable partner with high technical know-how. Their formulation lab helped us scale our new cosmetic line efficiently.”
— R&D Head, Skincare Brand, Shanghai
Major Achievements
- Built one of China’s most comprehensive regulatory-compliant specialty ingredient portfolios
- Achieved consistent double-digit growth in the personal care and food segments since 2018
- Developed proprietary ingredient blends through its Shanghai Innovation Center
- Recognized as a Top International Distributor in China by industry media and trade associations
DKSH Performance Materials China Ltd. continues to redefine the role of a distributor by integrating innovation, compliance, and supply chain expertise—supporting its partners’ growth in China’s fast-evolving specialty ingredient markets.
