Exhibit 99.4

NEWS RELEASE


                                            October 8, 2001
                                            P 357e
                                            Dr. Hartmut Unger
                                            Phone:    ++49 621  60-9 91 23
                                            Fax:      ++49 621  60-9 26 93
                                            E-mail:
                                            hartmut.unger@basf-ag.de




BASF REACHES A NEW STAGE IN E-COMMERCE WITH ITS GLOBAL INTERNET PORTAL

WORLDACCOUNT NOW ONLINE

  *  Extensive information and ordering capabilities for customers worldwide
  *  Simple operation and personal technical assistance ensure efficient use


WorldAccount, the BASF Group's integrated global extranet platform for
customer-oriented e-commerce is now online. WorldAccount integrates the core
functionalities of the present BASF customer portals for different product
categories under one single Internet address. www.worldaccount.basf.com
provides customers with on-line access to standardized functionalities and
extensive product information resources. World Account functionalities
include: order placement, order status, e-reporting, access to cerfiticates
of analysis and material safety data sheets, auctions participation and a
range of options for personal contact and customer support. The objective of
this service is to enable customers to make quick, transparent and
cost-efficient purchasing decisions around the clock by providing detailed
product information and uncomplicated ordering procedures.

Since 2000, BASF has successfully operated a variety of customer portals in
Europe and North America. With WorldAccount, the world's largest chemical
group is once again breaking new ground. "As one of the first companies in
the chemical industry, we are providing our customers with a globally
integrated




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purchasing platform based on the latest technology in the form of
WorldAccount. BASF is reaching a new stage in terms of customer orientation
with this portal," says Wayne Hill, Senior Vice President for Global
Electronic Commerce at BASF.

"As a result, our customers will be able to use all the advantages of a
globally integrated e-commerce presence."

The access could not be easier: all that is necessary for a customer to
register for a variety of electronic trading opportunities with BASF is an
ordinary PC with standard operating software, Internet connection and a
browser. "In order to have a customer-friendly system, we consider it
essential that the operation is simple and, if needed, that direct contact to
the BASF employees is possible around the clock. For this reason, we are
planning to assist our customers by phone and in person to take advantage of
our online service," said Hill. Of course, strict confidentiality is of
paramount importance. Through encryption and the use of firewalls, it will be
possible to carry out transactions with BASF both efficiently and securely.

WorldAccount will go into operation step-by-step. It is anticipated that the
conversion of all existing regional portals to the new system will be
completed by the end of 2001. Also, the existing plastics portal of BASF will
be available under www.basf.de/plasticsportal further on, but already
integrated in WorldAccount. The range of services is already retrievable in
German, English, Spanish, French and Italian. Additional languages to be
supported include Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, Thai and Korean.

WorldAccount will supplement, not replace the proven distribution channels.
BASF continues to attach great value to the personal contact between
customers and sales staff." BASF is taking advantage of the opportunities



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offered by e-commerce to improve customer relationships and enhance its
supply chain productivity," explains Hill. Through WorldAccount, BASF aims to
further expand its leading position in the area of e-commerce.

Online ordering is increasingly becoming a daily routine for BASF's
customers. Today, 10 percent of BASF's global sales are achieved through
e-commerce. During the first half of 2001, BASF also successfully handled
initial transactions via the electronic marketplaces Omnexus (thermoplastics)
and Elemica (basic and specialty chemicals). Both marketplaces as well as
CC-Chemplorer, an e-market for the procurement of technical goods and
services, were co-founded by BASF in 2000.


BASF is a transnational chemical company that aims to increase and sustain
its corporate value through growth and innovation. The company's product
range includes high-value chemicals, plastics, colorants and pigments,
dispersions, automotive and industrial coatings, agricultural products and
fine chemicals as well as crude oil and natural gas. BASF's approach to
integration, known in German as "Verbund," is one of its particular
strengths, ensuring cost leadership and a unique competitive advantage. With
sales in 2000 of about Euro 36 billion (circa $34 billion) and more than 90.
000 employees, BASF is one of the world's leading chemical companies. BASF
acts in accordance with the principles of Sustainable Development. BASF
shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and
New York (BF). The company's Internet address is www.basf.com.