SDS or Safety Data Sheet: Guarantees the safe use of chemical products in different international markets
Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are a crucial tool. Although the format and content of SDSs are largely harmonized globally thanks to the GHS, each region has its own additional requirements that must be adhered to. It is important for companies to keep up with legal and regulatory updates to ensure compliance in the markets where they operate.
What is an SDS (Safety Data Sheet)?
The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is a fundamental document for the management of hazardous chemicals. It provides detailed information on the properties of a substance or mixture, the hazards it may pose, safety measures for its handling, storage and disposal, and how to act in case of emergencies.
Purpose of the SDS
The main objective of the SDS is to ensure safety in the use, transport and handling of chemical products, minimizing risks to human health, the environment and the safety of workers. SDS are essential for manufacturers, distributors and end users, allowing appropriate measures to be taken to prevent accidents.
Safety Data Sheet International Markets
SDS are regulated by specific regulations in each region, which means that they must comply with legal requirements adapted to the legislation of each country or geographical area.
SDS European Union
In the European Union, Safety Data Sheets are mainly governed by the REACH Regulation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) and the CLP Regulation (Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures). The REACH Regulation states that chemical suppliers must provide an SDS for any hazardous substance placed on the market in the EU.
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Structure and content: The format of the SDS in the EU follows international standards, with 16 mandatory sections.
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Languages: Must be provided in the official language of the country where the product is marketed.
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Update: SDSs must be updated when there is new information about the substance, changes in regulations or modifications in the classification of the product.
SDS UK
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Después del Brexit, el Reino Unido implementó su propio marco normativo para las FDS. Aunque se basa en gran medida en los reglamentos europeos REACH y CLP, el REACH del Reino Unido (UK REACH) ahora regula la comercialización de sustancias químicas en el país.
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Semejanza con la UE: La estructura de la FDS sigue siendo similar a la de la Unión Europea, con 16 secciones obligatorias.
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Idioma: Las FDS deben estar en inglés y cumplir con la legislación local.
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Registro y cumplimiento: Los productos importados o fabricados en el Reino Unido deben cumplir con el UK REACH y requerir la presentación de la FDS adecuada.
SDS United States
In the United States, the SDS is known as SDS (Safety Data Sheet) and is regulated by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) under the Hazard Communication standard (HazCom 2012), which adopts the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) .
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Structure and content: SDSs in the US must follow the 16-section GHS format.
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Language: SDSs must be available in English, although other languages may be provided as needed.
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Employer Obligation: Employers must ensure that employees have access to SDSs for the chemicals they work with.
SDS Canada
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In Canada, SDSs are regulated under the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) , which is also aligned with the GHS.
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Structure and content: Canada uses the 16-section format, aligned with the GHS standard.
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Languages : The SDS must be available in English and French, as both are official languages.
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Compliance: Suppliers and employers must ensure that SDSs are up to date and accessible to workers.
SDS United Arab Emirates
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In Dubai and the rest of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), SDS are regulated under the guidelines of the Ministry of Environment and Water, and must comply with international standards such as GHS. In addition, many companies adopt international regulations due to the high level of import and export of products.
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Structure and content: The 16-section GHS format is the standard adopted in Dubai.
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Language: SDS are usually provided in English, although in some cases Arabic is required.
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Compliance: Imported chemicals must be accompanied by a GHS-compliant SDS to ensure safety in the local market.
Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are not only a legal requirement in many countries, but are also essential to ensure safe handling of chemicals. By providing detailed information on potential risks, SDSs enable users to take appropriate measures to prevent accidents, protect workers' health and minimise environmental impacts. Having an accurate and compliant SDS is crucial to avoid penalties, operational problems and protect companies' reputations in the global market.
At Belab Services , we understand the complexity of complying with different international regulations. That's why we offer a comprehensive SDS creation service, ensuring that your products comply with the regulations of the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and Dubai , among other markets. Our team of experts takes care of all the details so you don't have to worry, guaranteeing the compliance and safety of your company and your products.
With more than 10 years of experience in cosmetic, food supplements, homecare products and medical devices safety assessments, BELAB SERVCES offers a comprehensive and reliable solution to effectively verify and register your products.
Our solution, based on a deep knowledge of legislation, has a team of scientific consultants and advanced IT tools, making it the fastest and most reliable way to access the European market.
