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SDS Compliance

SDS 16 Sections: What Each Section Must Contain (GHS Rev.10)

A section-by-section reference to the Safety Data Sheet as defined by UN GHS Annex 4, EU REACH Annex II, and US OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200(g).

The Safety Data Sheet is the primary document a downstream user has to safely handle a chemical. Its structure — 16 sections in a fixed order — is one of the most successful pieces of international harmonization: UN GHS, EU CLP/REACH, US OSHA HazCom, China GB/T 17519, Japan JIS Z 7253, ANZ HSNO all use it.

Below is what each section must contain. All 16 sections are mandatory and must appear in the numbered order — even sections with no relevant information should be included with the notation "No data available" or similar.

Section 1 — Identification

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

  • 1.1 Product identifier (name, synonyms, catalog number).
  • 1.2 Relevant identified uses and uses advised against.
  • 1.3 Details of the supplier (company name, address, phone, email of the person responsible for SDS).
  • 1.4 Emergency telephone number (24-hour where required).

Common mistake: using a support-line number that is not 24-hour, or omitting country code.

Section 2 — Hazards Identification

  • 2.1 Classification of the substance or mixture (GHS class and category for each hazard).
  • 2.2 Label elements: pictogram(s), signal word, H statements, P statements. For EU: EUH statements and UFI.
  • 2.3 Other hazards not resulting in classification (e.g., PBT/vPvB, endocrine disruptor, dust explosion).

Section 3 — Composition / Ingredients

  • For substances: chemical identity, CAS No., EC No., REACH registration number, impurities and additives that themselves are classified.
  • For mixtures: each hazardous component with concentration or concentration range, CAS/EC No., and classification.

Cut-off values for disclosure depend on hazard class (e.g., ≥1% for most health hazards, ≥0.1% for CMR Cat. 1A/1B, respiratory sensitizers).

Section 4 — First Aid Measures

  • 4.1 Description of first-aid measures by route of exposure: inhalation, skin, eye, ingestion.
  • 4.2 Most important symptoms and effects (acute and delayed).
  • 4.3 Indication of any immediate medical attention and special treatment needed.

Section 5 — Firefighting Measures

  • 5.1 Suitable extinguishing media (and unsuitable — e.g., "do not use water jet on burning solvents").
  • 5.2 Special hazards arising from the substance (thermal decomposition products, e.g., CO, NOx, HCl).
  • 5.3 Advice for firefighters (protective equipment, distance).

Section 6 — Accidental Release

  • 6.1 Personal precautions, PPE, emergency procedures.
  • 6.2 Environmental precautions (prevent entry to drains, waterways).
  • 6.3 Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up.
  • 6.4 Reference to other sections.

Section 7 — Handling and Storage

  • 7.1 Precautions for safe handling (ventilation, grounding for flammables, avoiding aerosols).
  • 7.2 Conditions for safe storage, including incompatibilities.
  • 7.3 Specific end uses (if applicable, especially for REACH).

Section 8 — Exposure Controls / PPE

  • 8.1 Control parameters: OELs (occupational exposure limits — TWA, STEL), DNEL, PNEC.
  • 8.2 Exposure controls: engineering controls, individual protection measures (eye, skin, respiratory PPE — glove material recommendations).

Section 9 — Physical and Chemical Properties

A prescribed list — must at least state the following, or note "not applicable" / "no data available" with justification:

  • Physical state, color, odor, odor threshold
  • Melting/freezing point, boiling point/range, flash point, evaporation rate
  • Flammability (solid, gas)
  • Upper/lower flammable or explosive limits
  • Vapor pressure, vapor density, relative density
  • Solubility, partition coefficient (log Kow)
  • Auto-ignition temperature, decomposition temperature
  • Viscosity, explosive properties, oxidizing properties
  • pH (for aqueous solutions)

Section 10 — Stability and Reactivity

  • 10.1 Reactivity.
  • 10.2 Chemical stability.
  • 10.3 Possibility of hazardous reactions.
  • 10.4 Conditions to avoid (heat, moisture, incompatible materials).
  • 10.5 Incompatible materials.
  • 10.6 Hazardous decomposition products.

Section 11 — Toxicological Information

Data for each hazard class classified (or notation "not classified") — including:

  • Acute toxicity (LD50 oral/dermal, LC50 inhalation).
  • Skin corrosion/irritation, serious eye damage/irritation.
  • Respiratory or skin sensitization.
  • Germ cell mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, reproductive toxicity.
  • STOT single-exposure and repeated-exposure.
  • Aspiration hazard.
  • Interactive effects, likely routes of exposure, delayed and chronic effects.

Section 12 — Ecological Information

  • Toxicity (fish LC50, daphnia EC50, algae EC50).
  • Persistence and degradability.
  • Bioaccumulative potential (BCF, log Kow).
  • Mobility in soil.
  • Results of PBT and vPvB assessment (EU).
  • Other adverse effects (endocrine, ozone depletion).

Section 13 — Disposal Considerations

  • Waste treatment methods for product and contaminated packaging.
  • EU waste codes (LoW) where applicable.
  • Sewage disposal, physical/chemical properties affecting waste management.

Section 14 — Transport Information

Aligned with UN Model Regulations — must contain (or state "not regulated"):

  • 14.1 UN number.
  • 14.2 UN proper shipping name.
  • 14.3 Transport hazard class(es).
  • 14.4 Packing group.
  • 14.5 Environmental hazards (marine pollutant?).
  • 14.6 Special precautions for the user.
  • 14.7 Transport in bulk according to IMO instruments (if applicable).

Section 15 — Regulatory Information

  • Safety, health and environmental regulations specific to the substance/mixture (REACH, TSCA, DSL, IECSC, K-REACH, etc.).
  • Chemical Safety Assessment (indication only, EU only).

Section 16 — Other Information

  • Full text of H and P statements (and EUH) referenced by code elsewhere.
  • Key abbreviations.
  • Data sources.
  • Revision date and revision number.
  • Changes since previous version (recommended).

Language and Format Rules

  • An SDS must be provided in the official language(s) of the country where the chemical is placed on the market (mandatory in EU, most Asian countries).
  • Sections and numbers must not be renumbered or reordered.
  • The SDS must be provided free of charge to the downstream user before or at first supply.
  • Updated versions must be sent to customers who received the product within the last 12 months when a new hazard classification, restriction, or authorization is added.

References

This article is based on the following primary sources; always check the edition in force before shipping or labelling.

Related Tools

Sources: UN GHS Rev. 10 Annex 4; EU REACH Annex II as amended by Commission Regulation (EU) 2020/878; US OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200(g); China GB/T 17519-2013.