Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for Export from India

What is a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)?

A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), also known as a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), is a document that provides essential information about the chemical composition, hazards, handling, storage, and emergency measures related to a product. It is mandatory for the export of chemicals, pharmaceuticals, hazardous substances, and industrial raw materials.

📌 Issued By: Manufacturer, Supplier, or Third-Party Testing Laboratory
📌 Regulated By: Globally Harmonized System (GHS), OSHA, REACH, and other safety regulations
📌 Purpose: Ensures safe handling, transportation, and compliance with international safety regulations.

Who Needs an MSDS?

✅ Chemical Manufacturers & Exporters – Required for industrial and specialty chemicals.
✅ Pharmaceutical & Biotech Companies – For APIs, drugs, and chemical reagents.
✅ Agrochemical & Fertilizer Companies – Pesticides, insecticides, and herbicides.
✅ Cosmetic & Personal Care Product Exporters – Essential oils, fragrances, and chemical-based cosmetics.
✅ Paints, Dyes & Pigments Industry – Solvents, coatings, and colorants.
✅ Petroleum & Lubricant Industry – Oils, fuels, greases, and petroleum-based products.

Products Requiring an MSDS

🔹 Industrial Chemicals & Solvents – Acids, bases, solvents, and reagents.
🔹 Pharmaceutical Raw Materials (APIs) – Active pharmaceutical ingredients.
🔹 Agrochemicals & Fertilizers – Pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides.
🔹 Petroleum & Lubricants – Fuels, engine oils, and greases.
🔹 Cosmetics & Fragrances – Essential oils, perfumes, and skincare chemicals.
🔹 Dyes, Paints & Pigments – Textile dyes, food colors, and coatings.

How to Obtain an MSDS?

📌 Issued by the Manufacturer or Supplier
📌 Third-Party Certification – Testing labs like Bureau Veritas, SGS, TUV, or Intertek provide certified MSDS.

Process for Obtaining an MSDS

1️⃣ Collect Product Information – Chemical composition, formula, and physical properties.
2️⃣ Identify Hazard Classification – Based on GHS, OSHA, and REACH guidelines.
3️⃣ Conduct Laboratory Testing – If required, perform toxicity and safety analysis.
4️⃣ Prepare the MSDS Document – Following the 16-section GHS format.
5️⃣ Certify the MSDS – Obtain approval from a recognized laboratory (optional for some exports).

Standard Format of an MSDS (GHS-Compliant 16 Sections)

1️⃣ Identification – Product name, supplier details, and usage.
2️⃣ Hazard Identification – Classification and warning labels.
3️⃣ Composition/Information on Ingredients – Chemical formula and CAS numbers.
4️⃣ First-Aid Measures – Treatment in case of exposure.
5️⃣ Fire-Fighting Measures – Fire hazards and extinguishing methods.
6️⃣ Accidental Release Measures – Spill control and cleanup procedures.
7️⃣ Handling & Storage – Safe handling and storage instructions.
8️⃣ Exposure Controls & Personal Protection – PPE and safety equipment.
9️⃣ Physical & Chemical Properties – Appearance, odor, pH, boiling point, etc.
🔟 Stability & Reactivity – Chemical stability and hazardous reactions.
1️⃣1️⃣ Toxicological Information – Health effects and exposure risks.
1️⃣2️⃣ Ecological Information – Environmental impact and biodegradability.
1️⃣3️⃣ Disposal Considerations – Waste disposal methods.
1️⃣4️⃣ Transport Information – UN number, hazard class, shipping regulations.
1️⃣5️⃣ Regulatory Information – Compliance with global regulations (OSHA, REACH, etc.).
1️⃣6️⃣ Other Information – Additional safety details.

Why is an MSDS Important?

✅ Mandatory for Export of Hazardous & Chemical-Based Products
✅ Ensures Compliance with Global Safety Standards (GHS, OSHA, REACH, CLP)
✅ Prevents Health & Environmental Hazards
✅ Required for Shipping, Customs Clearance & Regulatory Approvals
✅ Enhances Product Credibility & Buyer Trust