
<Page>


                                                                      Exhibit 32

     The certification set forth below is being submitted in connection with the
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Becton, Dickinson and Company for the quarter
ended June 30, 2003 (the "Report") for the purpose of complying with Section
1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code.

     I, Edward J. Ludwig, the Chief Executive Officer of Becton, Dickinson and
Company, certify that:

     1.   such Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) of
          the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

     2.   the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all
          material respects, the financial condition and results of operations
          of Becton, Dickinson and Company.


August 13, 2003                         /s/ Edward J. Ludwig
                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        Name: Edward J. Ludwig
                                              Chief Executive Officer


<Page>


     The certification set forth below is being submitted in connection with the
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Becton, Dickinson and Company for the quarter
ended June 30, 2003 (the "Report") for the purpose of complying with Section
1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code.

     I, John R. Considine, the Chief Financial Officer of Becton, Dickinson and
Company, certify that:

     1.   such Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) of
          the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

     2.   the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all
          material respects, the financial condition and results of operations
          of Becton, Dickinson and Company.


August 13, 2003                         /s/ John R. Considine
                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        Name: John R. Considine
                                              Chief Financial Officer