The Chemical and Allied Industries’ Association (CAIA) was established in 1994 to promote a wide range of interests pertaining to the chemical industry. CAIA's primary goals are: to represent and advocate on behalf of the chemical industry; to promote Responsible Care and monitor its implementation; to earn public trust for the chemical industry; to support education initiatives in science, engineering and technology; to create maximum value for its members companies. Membership is open to chemical manufacturers and traders as well as to organisations which provide a service to the chemical industry, such as hauliers, spill response and testing laboratories. CAIA is the South African custodian of the international Responsible Care initiative, which has been adopted by 53 countries worldwide. 141 members are now signatories to Responsible Care in South Africa.