What is an MSDS or SDS report? How do I obtain one?
Date：2025-12-31 09:21:55 Classification
：【question】 Visits：
MSDS/SDS reports are indispensable safety assurance documents for product manufacturing, transportation, and use, especially for companies exporting or handling hazardous chemicals, as these reports directly relate to compliance and personnel safety.
I. What is an MSDS/SDS Report?
Definition: MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) and SDS (Safety Data Sheet) are essentially the same; they are standardized documents that detail the physicochemical properties, hazard information, and safe handling methods of chemicals.
After the implementation of the UN GHS system in 2008, the unified term was SDS, but some countries (such as the United States) still commonly use MSDS.
Core Functions:
Convey information about chemical hazards to users (e.g., toxicity, flammability)
Guide safe operation (e.g., protective measures, emergency response)
Meet regulatory requirements (e.g., REACH, OSHA, GB/T 16483, etc.)
II. Scenarios Where SDS Reporting is Mandatory
| Applicable Product Types | Typical Scenarios
| Hazardous Chemicals (e.g., solvents, coatings) | Export to the EU (REACH Regulation), domestic production and storage (Regulations on the Safety Management of Hazardous Chemicals)
| General Chemicals (e.g., adhesives, cleaning agents) | E-commerce platform entry (e.g., Amazon, Tmall), customer requirements
| Chemical Components in Finished Products such as Toys/Electronic Products | Components containing restricted substances (e.g., lead, phthalates)
II. Complete SDS Reporting Process (5 Steps)
Clarify Reporting Requirements
Determine Standard Version:
Export to the EU: CLP Regulation (EC 1272/2008) + GHS Rev.8
Export to the US: OSHA HazCom 2012
Domestic Use: GB/T 16483-2008 (equivalent to GHS China version)
Prepare Basic Information:
Plaintext
Product Name (Chinese and English), CAS Number (if applicable)
Ingredients List (accurate to percentage, e.g., "Epoxy Resin 60%, Toluene 30%)"
Production Process (whether it includes high temperature or high pressure processes)
Uses (e.g., "Industrial Cleaning Agent," "Toy Adhesive")
III. Choosing a Compliance Compilation Organization
Qualification Requirements:
Must possess chemical safety assessment qualifications (e.g., EU REACH registered certification body)
Recommended Organization: Dezewei Testing CNAS Registration Number: L8083
Avoidance Tips:
❌ Beware of "low-priced template reports" (may omit key hazard information, leading to customs detention).
Require institutions to provide case samples (must include 16 standard items, see below).
IV. Core Testing and Information Collection
Mandatory Testing Items (based on product characteristics):
Physical Properties: Flash point, pH value, density (e.g., for flammable liquids, flash point ≤60℃ must be tested)
Chemical Hazards: Acute toxicity (LD50), skin irritation, carcinogenicity (according to GHS classification standards)
Data Sources:
Prioritize using raw material SDS provided by suppliers (must be stamped with an official seal).
Contract laboratory testing when necessary (e.g., for "black box products" with unknown components).
V. Report Preparation and Review (16 mandatory items)
| Chapter Number | Content Requirements
| 1. Chemical and Company Identification | Product Name, Supplier Contact Information
| 2. Hazard Overview | GHS Hazard Statement (e.g., "H226 Flammable Liquid")
| 3. Composition/Information on Ingredients | CAS Number and Concentration of Hazardous Components
| 4. First Aid Measures | Treatment for Skin Contact/Inhalation/Ingestion
| 5. Firefighting Measures | Extinguishing Media, Firefighting Precautions
| 6. Spill Response | Spill Handling Procedures, Protective Measures
| 7. Handling and Storage | Storage Conditions (e.g., "Keep away from heat sources, store at 0-35°C")
| 8. Exposure Controls/Personal Protection | Recommended Protective Equipment (e.g., "Nitrile Gloves")
| ... (Items 9-16 omitted) | Physicochemical Properties, Stability and Reactivity, Toxicological Data, etc.
VI. Report Delivery and Updates
Delivery Format:
Provide a PDF electronic version (stamped with the official seal of the compiling organization) and three hard copies.
For exported products, an English version is required (for EU products, the CLP regulation number must be included).
Update Requirements:
When the formulation changes (e.g., solvent change) or regulations are updated (e.g., GHS revision), the SDS must be updated within 6 months.
VII. Common Misconceptions and Precautions
1. "Ordinary products do not need an SDS?"
❌ Incorrect! Even for non-hazardous chemicals (such as water-based coatings), customers or customs may require an SDS.
2. How long is the report valid?
There is no fixed validity period, but it must be updated if there are changes in composition or regulations (annual review is recommended).
3. Can I fill it out myself?
Not recommended! Non-professional preparation may lead to classification errors (such as misclassifying "non-flammable" leading to transportation accidents).
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