MSDS / SDS — Chemical Safety Data and Regulatory Compliance
An MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet), also referred to as an SDS (Safety Data Sheet), is a standardized document that provides detailed information on the hazards, handling, storage, transport, and emergency measures related to chemical substances and mixtures.
SDS documentation is a fundamental requirement for chemical safety management, regulatory compliance, and global transportation.
Regulatory Background
SDS requirements are aligned with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), adopted by regulatory authorities worldwide.
Depending on the destination market, SDS content and format must comply with local regulations, such as:
OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (United States)
EU REACH and CLP Regulations
China GHS standards
International transport regulations (IATA, IMDG, ADR)
An SDS must be accurate, up to date, and consistent with the applicable regulatory framework.
Products Requiring MSDS / SDS
SDS documentation is typically required for:
Chemical substances and mixtures
Industrial chemicals and raw materials
Coatings, inks, adhesives, and cleaning agents
Batteries and battery-containing products
Consumer products containing hazardous substances
Products classified as dangerous goods for transport
SDS may also be required even when products are not classified as dangerous, depending on customer or regulatory expectations.
Structure of an SDS Document
A compliant SDS follows a standardized 16-section format, including:
Identification of the substance or mixture
Hazard identification
Composition and information on ingredients
First-aid measures
Fire-fighting measures
Accidental release measures
Handling and storage
Exposure controls and personal protection
Physical and chemical properties
Stability and reactivity
Toxicological information
Ecological information
Disposal considerations
Transport information
Regulatory information
Other information
Each section must be prepared in accordance with applicable regulations and technical data.
Typical MSDS / SDS Service Workflow
1) Product and Ingredient Assessment
Collection and review of formulation details, raw material data, and hazard classification information.
2) GHS Classification
Classification of substances or mixtures based on physical, health, and environmental hazards under the relevant GHS system.
3) SDS Authoring and Review
Preparation of a compliant SDS using standardized structure, regulatory references, and validated hazard data.
4) Regulatory Alignment and Localization
Adaptation of SDS content to specific regional requirements, language, and regulatory references.
5) Final Review and Delivery
Issuance of a finalized SDS suitable for regulatory submission, transport, and customer use.
Deliverables
Typical MSDS / SDS deliverables include:
SDS document in required language and format
GHS hazard classification summary
Transport classification support (when applicable)
Regulatory alignment notes for target markets
These documents support chemical compliance, transportation, and supply chain communication.
Why MSDS / SDS Compliance Matters
Incomplete or non-compliant SDS documentation may result in:
Shipment delays or transport refusal
Regulatory enforcement actions
Customer or distributor rejection
Increased safety and liability risks
A professionally prepared SDS helps ensure safe handling and smooth global distribution.
Start Your MSDS / SDS Project
Provide your product composition, intended markets, and transport scenario to receive an SDS preparation proposal. Our team supports end-to-end MSDS / SDS services, including GHS classification, document authoring, and regulatory localization.