We need to be extra careful when shipping Class 9 hazardous goods or any products that contain chemicals requiring precautionary measures. To avoid any accidents, and also to manage the damage in case an accident occurs during transportation, a Safety Data Sheet provided by the manufacturer is often required.
Let’s see in detail what this document is and the SDS matters for shipping.
What Does SDS Stand for in Logistics?
A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) or Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is a document containing all the information about the safety risks of the substance being shipped. This includes cargoes’ physical and chemical properties and the damage they can cause.
An SDS also carries instructions on how to take care of the chemical or mixture, for example, at what temperature it needs to be kept, and if an accident occurs, how to handle it afterward.
It is not a test report, an identification report, or a certification, but simply a technical document.
Are SDS and MSDS the same thing?
Material Safety Data Sheets and Safety Data Sheets are the same type of document.
MSDS is an older term that was widely used before 2012, and its format varied across different countries. With the implementation of the GHS (Globally Harmonized System), SDS became the standardized format and is now globally recognized.
What Are Safety Data Sheets Used for?
Safety Data Sheets give a detailed analysis of what harmful chemicals are used in the given product and how to keep it safe to avoid accidents and damage. Let’s look at its importance in detail.
Hazard Communication: When booking shipping space, shipping companies require the SDS document. It tells if the chemical is toxic, inflammable, explosive, or damaging to the environment, and how the product should be stored, shipped, and taken care of on the way to avoid accidents.
Regulatory Compliance: This document is necessary for customs clearance. It provides written proof to the authorities that the business is complying with local rules and regulations.
Worker Safety: The people responsible for taking care of dangerous products need to know detailed information about them to stay safe and handle the product carefully.
The main purpose of SDS is to prevent accidents, injuries, and environmental harm.
Which Shipments Require an SDS?
In the U.S., China, Japan, or EU countries, manufacturers of hazardous goods are required to provide a Safety Data Sheet when selling, transporting, or exporting their products.
Common examples of such products and product categories are listed below:
|
Category |
Examples |
|
Batteries |
Especially lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries used for phones, laptops, power banks, or e-bikes |
|
Pharmaceuticals |
Vaccines, drugs, and diagnostic agents |
|
Magnetized Materials |
Large speakers, MRI machine components |
|
Chemicals |
Cleaning products, paint, or ink |
|
Medical Device |
Diagnostic health kits |
What Information Does an SDS Contain?
Though Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are not completely unified worldwide, there is still a global standard. It follows the GHS (Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals) set by the United Nations.
Under GHS, an SDS consists of 16 sections, covering:
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Identification (product details, manufacturer info)
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Hazard identification (classification, warning labels)
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Transport information (UN number, transport hazard class, packaging group)
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Fire-fighting measures (important for emergency planning)
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Handling and storage
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Composition/information on ingredients
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First-aid measures
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Accidental release measures
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Exposure controls/personal protection
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Physical and chemical properties
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Stability and reactivity
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Toxicological information
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Ecological information
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Disposal considerations
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Regulatory information
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Other relevant details
Who Pays for the Safety Data Sheet?
The cost of this file is usually taken by the manufacturer. Manufacturers can create their own SDS or MSDS based on product information and relevant regulations. If they lack the expertise or resources, they can hire a professional company to prepare it for them.
Each SDS corresponds to a specific product and does not have an expiration date. As long as the product remains the same, the SDS document can continue to be used. However, if there are changes in laws or regulations, a new version must be created. You should always request the latest version from suppliers.
Conclusion
Safety Data Sheets (SDS) provide all the safety risks about the product that is being shipped, what it contains, and how it should be taken care of. It gives a manual to take care of the product and help avoid any physical damage to the delivery crew and the environment.
FAQs
How can I get an SDS?
To find a Safety Data Sheet, contact your manufacturer of that product. They are responsible for providing you with the SDS for shipping. Sometimes, even if the product does not contain hazardous materials, manufacturers should still offer an SDS for that product for regulatory compliance or supply chain policies.
Is the SDS file format the same in different countries?
The format of the SDS can vary depending on the country where the product is manufactured and shipped. Although GHS provides a unified system, different countries have modified SDS requirements to fit their legal and regulatory environments.
For example, in China, SDS must be in simplified Chinese and may include GB standards.
Is the Safety Data Sheet mandatory for every shipment?
Not necessarily. It depends on the shipping companies’ requirements and the customs regulations.
