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The term MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) originates from the US and has been replaced by SDS in the European context.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:
| Feature | SDS | DPP |
|---|---|---|
| Legal basis | REACH Art. 31 | ESPR 2024/1781 |
| Format | PDF (static) | Digital (dynamic) |
| Target audience | Professional users | All stakeholders |
| Updates | Manual on changes | Automatic, real-time |
| Access | Email / download | QR code on product |
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:
- Section 2 first: Get an overview of the hazards (pictograms, H-statements)
- Know Section 4: First aid measures must be immediately accessible in an emergency
- Follow Section 7: Correct storage and handling prevents accidents
- Implement Section 8: Prescribed protective equipment must be worn
- 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
Author
Olivier Höfer
Managing Director, OYSI GmbH
OYSI GmbH
Frequently Asked Questions
When is a Safety Data Sheet mandatory?
An SDS is mandatory under REACH Article 31 whenever a substance or mixture is classified as hazardous, qualifies as PBT/vPvB, or is on the SVHC candidate list. Certain non-classified mixtures containing hazardous components (>1%) must also receive an SDS on request.
Which products require a Safety Data Sheet?
All substances and mixtures classified as hazardous under CLP — physical, health or environmental hazards. Cleaners, acids, bases, solvents, paints, adhesives, disinfectants and most industrial chemicals need an SDS. Food, cosmetics and medicines are exempt.
Who is authorized to create a Safety Data Sheet?
The SDS must be compiled by a competent person (proof of competence per REACH Art. 31(10)) — typically a chemist or safety engineer with relevant training. Suppliers, importers and manufacturers are legally responsible.
How long must Safety Data Sheets be kept?
The recipient must keep all SDS received for at least 10 years after the last supply or use (REACH Art. 36). Employers must make SDS continuously accessible to employees. In the Digital Product Passport, all versions are archived automatically.
Which regulations apply to the Safety Data Sheet?
The main regulation is REACH Annex II as amended by Regulation (EU) 2020/878, in force since 1 January 2023. CLP (classification), Seveso III (major accidents), TRGS 510 (storage) and ADR (transport) apply in addition. The SDS must be in the official language of the recipient country.
What is the difference between SDS and MSDS?
SDS (Safety Data Sheet) is the current EU term under REACH/CLP with 16 mandatory sections. MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) is the older US term (OSHA HazCom) with a different structure. Since 2015 only the SDS per REACH Annex II is permitted in the EU.
How often must an SDS be updated?
An SDS must be updated without delay upon: new hazard-relevant information, new authorisations/restrictions, changes of classification. The updated version must be supplied free of charge to all recipients of the last 12 months. In the DPP distribution happens automatically via QR code.
Must the SDS be in the local language?
Yes. When placed on a market, the SDS must be provided in the official language(s) of that Member State (REACH Art. 31(5)). The OYSI DPP serves SDS multilingually (DE, EN, FR) for cross-border distribution.