Safety Data Sheet (SDS): Structure, Content and Obligations — Guide 2026

What is a Safety Data Sheet?

A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is the central document for the safe handling of chemical substances and mixtures. It is legally required under the REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, Article 31, and must be provided to the recipient free of charge no later than the first delivery.

The SDS is primarily aimed at professional users — employers and employees who handle chemicals. It contains all the information needed for safe handling, storage, transport and disposal of a chemical product.

The term MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) originates from the US and has been replaced by SDS in the European context.

The 16 Sections of a Safety Data Sheet

The structure of an SDS is strictly prescribed by REACH Annex II (Regulation (EU) 2020/878). Every Safety Data Sheet must contain exactly these 16 sections in the specified order:

Section 1: Identification of the substance/mixture and of the company

Product identifier, relevant identified uses, supplier details and emergency telephone number. This section also contains the UFI code (Unique Formula Identifier) for poison control centres.

Section 2: Hazards identification

Classification according to the CLP Regulation, GHS pictograms, signal word, H-statements and P-statements. This section provides the complete GHS labeling.

Section 3: Composition / information on ingredients

Chemical identity, CAS number, EC number, REACH registration number. For mixtures: all hazardous components with concentrations.

Sections 4–8: Handling and protective measures

• Section 4: First aid measures — by route of exposure (inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, ingestion)
• Section 5: Firefighting measures — suitable extinguishing media, special hazards
• Section 6: Accidental release measures — environmental precautions, clean-up methods
• Section 7: Handling and storage — safe handling practices, storage conditions, incompatibilities
• Section 8: Exposure controls / personal protection — occupational exposure limits (OELs), personal protective equipment (PPE)

Sections 9–11: Properties and toxicology

• Section 9: Physical and chemical properties — boiling point, flash point, pH, vapour pressure etc.
• Section 10: Stability and reactivity — conditions to avoid, incompatible materials
• Section 11: Toxicological information — acute toxicity (LD50/LC50), irritation, sensitisation, CMR properties

Sections 12–16: Environment, disposal, transport, regulations

• Section 12: Ecological information — ecotoxicity, degradability, bioaccumulation
• Section 13: Disposal considerations — waste code, disposal methods
• Section 14: Transport information — UN number, ADR/IMDG/IATA class, packing group
• Section 15: Regulatory information — Seveso III, water hazard class, employment restrictions
• Section 16: Other information — revision history, abbreviations, training advice

SDS vs. Digital Product Passport

The Safety Data Sheet and the Digital Product Passport (DPP) are not competitors but complement each other:

In the OYSI Digital Product Passport, the SDS is integrated as a download — giving customers access to all product data and the complete Safety Data Sheet through a single QR code.

How to Read a Safety Data Sheet

For everyday work with chemicals, these sections are particularly important:

1. Section 2 first: Get an overview of the hazards (pictograms, H-statements)
2. Know Section 4: First aid measures must be immediately accessible in an emergency
3. Follow Section 7: Correct storage and handling prevents accidents
4. Implement Section 8: Prescribed protective equipment must be worn
5. Section 13 for disposal: Chemicals must not be disposed of in household waste

OYSI SDS Management

Through the OYSI DPP platform, up-to-date Safety Data Sheets for all OYSI products are available for download:

• Multilingual: SDS in German, English and French
• Always current: Automatic notification on updates
• Directly linked: Every Digital Product Passport contains a direct download link
• CDN-hosted: Fast access via cdn.oysi.tech/sds/
• Archiving: Older versions remain available for compliance records