Company Directory - BASF SE
Company Details - BASF SE
BASF SE
WebsiteLudwigshafen am Rhein, Germany
ISIN: DE000BASF111
390 Locations
BASF SE is a global chemical company and the largest in the world. It operates in various segments such as chemicals, plastics, performance products, agricultural solutions, and more, providing innovative solutions and materials to a diverse range of industries. BASF is committed to sustainability and innovation, working towards creating chemistry for a sustainable future.
CCI Score
CCI Score: BASF SE
0.25
Latest Event
Divestment from Controversial Joint Venture in Korla
Following serious allegations against its joint venture partner in Korla, BASF announced an accelerated divestment process. This strategic decision is part of BASF’s ongoing effort to disassociate from partners whose practices conflict with its values and ethical standards.
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OBJECTOR
BASF SE is currently rated as an Objector.
Latest Events
- APR012024
Following serious allegations against its joint venture partner in Korla, BASF announced an accelerated divestment process. This strategic decision is part of BASF’s ongoing effort to disassociate from partners whose practices conflict with its values and ethical standards.
+65
Executive Political Engagement
April 20
By moving to divest from its joint venture in Korla after reports of unethical practices, BASF demonstrates executive accountability and a commitment to distancing itself from partners engaged in activities incompatible with its values, reflecting a positive stance against authoritarian or unethical conduct.
- FEB232024
The BASF 2023 report outlines significant initiatives to uphold international human rights, labor and social standards. Highlights include the Wage Improvements in Seed Hybrids project addressing child labor and fair wages in India, as well as prompt corrective actions in the supply chain—such as terminating a supplier contract following reports of underage labor in Brazil.
+70
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
April 20
BASF has embedded human rights and labor standards into its corporate policies, including comprehensive due diligence, stakeholder engagement, and training initiatives. Its proactive approach, as evidenced by the Wage Improvements in Seed Hybrids project, demonstrates a strong commitment to preventing exploitation and supporting worker rights.
In Focus: Human Rights, Labor and Social Standards - BASF Report 2023
+40
Supply Chain Ethics
April 20
The report details BASF's active management of supply chain risks, including a swift response to labor violations. By terminating contracts linked to severe labor abuses and enforcing a robust risk-based supplier code of conduct, BASF demonstrates a commitment to ethical sourcing and accountability.
In Focus: Human Rights, Labor and Social Standards - BASF Report 2023
- FEB092024
BASF SE is accelerating its planned exit from two joint ventures in China's Xinjiang region following reports alleging human rights abuses. Although due diligence did not find concrete evidence of violations, the move signals a proactive stance to disassociate from regions linked to oppressive practices.
+40
Public and Political Behavior
April 20
The public announcement to speed up divestment serves as a strong signal that BASF is taking a clear stand by distancing itself from regions associated with human rights abuses. This public action enhances its anti-authoritarian credentials by aligning corporate practices with human rights responsibilities.
BASF Speeds Xinjiang Exit Over Human Rights Abuse Reports (1)
+70
Supply Chain Ethics
April 20
By accelerating its withdrawal from joint ventures in Xinjiang amid allegations of human rights violations, BASF is taking proactive steps to avoid complicity in unethical supply chain practices. This decision reflects a commitment to distancing the company from regions where forced labor and oppressive practices have been reported.
BASF Speeds Xinjiang Exit Over Human Rights Abuse Reports (1)
- FEB092024
An investigation triggered by research from Dr. Adrian Zenz and a letter signed by over 30 politicians has accused BASF of being complicit in gross abuses and forced labor of Uyghurs in Xinjiang through its Chinese partner, Xinjiang Markor Chemical Industry. The letter calls on BASF to withdraw from operations in Xinjiang to safeguard human rights and its corporate credibility.
-75
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
April 20
The investigation and letter highlight BASF’s connection to forced labor practices and human rights abuses affecting Uyghurs in Xinjiang. Such involvement shows a failure in upholding adequate labor rights and human dignity, aligning the company with authoritarian abuses.
German firm BASF urged to quit Xinjiang over ‘gross abuses’ of Uyghurs
-70
Supply Chain Ethics
April 20
BASF’s association with its Chinese partner in Xinjiang implicates it in problematic supply chain practices that support oppressive state surveillance and forced labor. The evidence suggests the company’s supply chain ethics are compromised, reinforcing authoritarian patterns.
German firm BASF urged to quit Xinjiang over ‘gross abuses’ of Uyghurs
- NOV172023
An investigative report by Handelsblatt linked BASF's joint venture partner in Xinjiang with forced labor allegations. Although BASF stated that its routine background checks found no forced labor, critics argue that independent audits in the region are ineffective and that the company's continued partnership exposes it to complicity with authoritarian labor practices.
-40
Supply Chain Ethics
April 20
BASF's ongoing partnership with Xinjiang Markor Chemical Industry, which has ties to the Xinjiang Zhongtai Group—blacklisted under the UFPLA for forced labor practices—raises serious ethical concerns regarding its supply chain. Critics argue that the company's reliance on internal audits in a region with restricted independent oversight demonstrates insufficient commitment to eradicating forced labor, aligning its practices with authoritarian regimes and exposing it to complicity in systemic labor abuses.
Report: German company's Xinjiang partner linked to Chinese forced labor
- OCT062023
BASF announced plans to divest from two joint ventures in China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region following allegations that its joint venture partner was involved in human rights abuses. Despite internal audits not finding evidence of violations, the decision appears to be a proactive move in response to external pressure and concerns over complicity in authoritarian practices.
+40
Supply Chain Ethics
April 20
BASF's decision to divest from its joint ventures in Xinjiang is a measured step aimed at reducing potential complicity in human rights abuses in a region known for systemic authoritarian practices. Although BASF’s own due diligence did not uncover evidence of abuses, the move signals responsiveness to civil society pressure and a commitment to ethical supply chain practices.
- MAR152023
An investigative press release details BASF’s extensive lobbying efforts, including a €29.6 million EU lobbying spend over a decade and additional national lobbying in Germany, as well as the use of a robust network of industry allies and a well-connected CEO to influence regulatory processes such as the delayed release of the REACH chemicals regulation.
-50
Executive Political Engagement
April 20
The role of BASF’s well-connected Chief Executive in leveraging industry allies to access decision-makers further amplifies its political influence, contributing to the shaping of policies in favor of corporate interests over public welfare.
Press release: Chemical romance: how politicians fell for BASF
-75
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
April 20
BASF’s documented expenditure of approximately €29.6 million on EU lobbying between 2011 and 2021, along with significant annual spending in recent years, showcases its deep involvement in political lobbying. This heavy investment in lobbying efforts undermines democratic regulatory processes and illustrates corporate complicity in exerting undue influence over public policy.
Press release: Chemical romance: how politicians fell for BASF
- MAR012023
In March 2023, BASF identified cases of undignified working conditions and underage labor on rice farms in Uruguaiana, Brazil. The company immediately intervened by halting work, terminating the contract with one of the farms, and enhancing training and preventive measures to uphold human rights and labor standards.
+70
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
April 20
BASF’s prompt action in addressing labor violations—halting operations, terminating the problematic contract, and implementing additional training—demonstrates a commitment to improving labor relations and enforcing human rights standards, despite the occurrence of the violation.
- JAN012023
BASF SE spent $1,420,000 on lobbying efforts during 2023, as detailed in OpenSecrets reports. This spending reflects the company’s involvement in influencing political processes through hiring former political staffers and lobbying firms, an activity that raises concerns about corporate influence on democracy.
-20
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
April 20
BASF SE's reported lobbying expenditure of $1,420,000 in 2023 indicates active engagement in efforts to influence U.S. policy. From an anti-fascist perspective, such political lobbying can be seen as enabling corporate interests to shape policies in ways that undermine democratic accountability and potentially favor authoritarian practices.
- JAN012023
BASF’s 2023 Supplier Management report outlines comprehensive updates to its Supplier Code of Conduct, risk-based supplier evaluations, and sustainability-oriented procurement guidelines in compliance with the GSCA. The initiative emphasizes ethical and environmental standards throughout its global supply chain, inclusion of diverse suppliers, and structured supplier assessments.
+80
Supply Chain Ethics
April 20
The report details BASF’s proactive overhaul of its supplier management by embedding sustainability evaluations, updating its Supplier Code of Conduct, and ensuring compliance with new due diligence laws. This robust approach to supply chain ethics reflects an effort to mitigate risks and promote human rights and environmental standards, earning a strong positive score.
- JAN012023
BASF’s deep entanglement with Russian fossil fuel firms, including strategic partnerships with Gazprom and Wintershall Dea, has contributed to a prolonged dependency on fossil fuels. This involvement undermines democratic energy reforms and supports authoritarian economic structures.
-70
Public and Political Behavior
April 20
BASF’s public political maneuvers—opposing energy embargoes and engaging in partnerships that favor authoritarian-aligned fossil fuel interests—have significant implications for democratic governance and public policy.
-80
Economic Collaboration
April 20
BASF’s extensive investments in Russian gas projects and its close ties with Gazprom and Wintershall Dea illustrate a corporate strategy that locks regions into fossil fuel dependency. This economic collaboration bolsters authoritarian economic structures while hindering sustainable energy transitions.
- JAN012023
In 2023, BASF SE spent $1,420,000 on lobbying, hiring former White House and Congressional staffers to influence U.S. policy, raising concerns about corporate influence over democratic processes.
-50
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
April 20
BASF SE's expenditure of $1,420,000 on lobbying in 2023, involving former government officials, indicates a significant effort to shape policy in favor of corporate interests. Such aggressive lobbying raises questions about transparency and the potential subversion of public accountability, which is concerning from an anti-fascist perspective.
- DEC012021
BASF has a long record of producing hazardous chemicals alongside recurrent safety failures, including fatal accidents and violations of EU chemical safety standards. These incidents have contributed to elevated cancer risks in vulnerable communities, reflecting a disregard for worker safety and broader public welfare.
-50
Public and Political Behavior
April 20
The environmental contamination associated with BASF’s hazardous chemical production and its political impact on marginalized communities demonstrate a neglect of public welfare. Such effects undermine trust in democratic policy-making regarding environmental and health protections.
-70
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
April 20
Repeated incidents leading to fatal outcomes at BASF’s facilities underline serious failures in ensuring worker safety. This neglect significantly harms the rights and lives of workers and disproportionately impacts communities already facing marginalization.
Corporate Financials
- Revenue
- 2025
- $87.00B
- Total Assets
- 2025
- $91.30B
- Operating Income
- 2025
- $14.00B
- Total Equity
- 2025
- $59.00B
Employees: 117,000
Industries
- 3241
- Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing
- 3251
- Basic Chemical Manufacturing
- 3252
- Resin, Synthetic Rubber, and Artificial and Synthetic Fibers and Filaments Manufacturing
- 3253
- Pesticide, Fertilizer, and Other Agricultural Chemical Manufacturing
- 3254
- Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing
- 3261
- Plastics Product Manufacturing