A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), also known as a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), is a detailed document that provides information about the properties, hazards, handling, storage, and disposal of dangerous goods. These sheets are crucial for ensuring safety across the supply chain, protecting the natural environment, and complying with relevant local and international regulations.
In the context of international shipping, the SDS (formerly MSDS) is often mandatory when shipping dangerous goods such as flammable liquids, batteries, or certain powders.
Who needs an MSDS document?
MSDS documents are for employees who work with or may be exposed to chemicals, employers responsible for safe chemical storage, and emergency responders like firefighters, hazmat teams, and EMTs. They provide critical safety and hazard information for handling chemicals in the workplace.
Who is responsible for providing MSDS?
The responsibility for providing an MSDS generally falls on the manufacturer, who may sometimes engage professional labs to prepare the document. Without an SDS, shipments may face delays due to strict regulations governing the transport of hazardous materials.
It’s important to clarify that many in the global shipping industry still refer to this document as MSDS. However, in recent years, the official term has become SDS (Safety Data Sheet). This change came with the adoption of the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System. The new SDS format standardizes how safety information is presented across different countries.
Regardless of the term used, the current document should follow the SDS format to ensure compliance with international regulations.
MSDS vs SDS: What is the Difference?
The main difference between an MSDS and an SDS is that an SDS is the modern, globally standardized format used to communicate chemical safety information, while an MSDS is an outdated version with inconsistent formatting. The SDS follows the GHS guidelines, making it clearer, more consistent, and easier to use across international borders.
Since June 2015, employers in the United States have been required to update their MSDS documents with SDS-formatted documents. It’s important to note that while SDS is the correct term, the term MSDS is still widely used in the shipping industry.
What Information Does an MSDS/SDS Contain?
The term Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) has largely been replaced by the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) as part of a global effort to standardize chemical safety information through the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals. The SDS is a standardized document that provides detailed information about hazardous chemicals.
According to OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200), SDSs must contain the following information:
- Identification (Section 1)
- Hazard Identification (Section 2)
- Composition/Information on Ingredients (Section 3)
- First-Aid Measures (Section 4)
- Fire-Fighting Measures (Section 5)
- Accidental Release Measures (Section 6)
- Handling and Storage (Section 7)
- Exposure Controls/Personal Protection (Section 8)
- Physical and Chemical Properties (Section 9)
- Stability and Reactivity (Section 10)
- Toxicological Information (Section 11)
- Ecological Information (Section 12)
- Disposal Considerations (Section 13)
- Transport Information (Section 14)
- Regulatory Information (Section 15)
- Other Information (Section 16)
For further information about what information is required under each subheading, you can view the OHSA’s brief here.
MSDS Meaning in Shipping
The MSDS, also known as SDS, serves several key purposes in international shipping, especially for businesses that import goods into the U.S. and Canada.
The MSDS primarily functions as a compliance and risk management tool by providing comprehensive safety information about the materials being shipped.
This includes information such as (but not limited to):
- A chemical’s physical state (solid, liquid, or gas), melting point, and color
- Details on the potential hazards, such as flammability, reactivity, or toxicity.
- First aid procedures.
- Clean-up procedures.
- Any personal protective equipment (PPE) that must be worn when using the chemicals.
When shipping hazardous materials, the MSDS must accompany other required documents. This ensures all parties are informed of potential risks and necessary precautions, facilitating safe and compliant transport across borders.
A well-drafted MSDS provides clear instructions on how to safely handle, store, and dispose of hazardous materials. As a result, it minimizes the risk of accidents, spills, or exposures that could endanger public safety or the environment.
MSDS / SDS FAQs
Listed below are some of the most commonly asked questions regarding Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS/SDS) in the context of international shipping and freight forwarding.
What Role Does the MSDS Play in Customs Clearance?
Customs clearance for international shipments involves various documents and procedures, especially when dealing with potentially hazardous materials. One crucial document in this process is the Safety Data Sheet (SDS), which was formally known as MSDS.
When importing hazardous materials such as lithium-ion batteries (classified as Class 9 dangerous goods), the SDS plays a critical role. Customs authorities, like U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), may rely on the SDS to verify that the goods comply with safety and environmental regulations. The SDS helps ensure that the products are properly classified, labeled, and packaged according to international standards.
A well-prepared SDS supports the customs clearance process by providing essential information needed to demonstrate compliance with these regulations. Working with a trusted freight forwarder can help facilitate this process.
How is the MSDS relevant to Full Container Load (FCL) shipping?
Full Container Load (FCL) shipments involve using an entire container to transport goods for a single shipper. When these shipments contain hazardous materials, the MSDS, now known as the Safety Data Sheet (SDS), becomes critical. This document is essential for regulatory compliance, risk management, and emergency response. Customs authorities rely on the SDS to verify compliance with safety and environmental regulations, facilitating smoother clearance processes. Ensuring accurate SDS documentation helps maintain compliance and enhance overall shipping safety in FCL shipping operations involving hazardous goods.
Given the complexity of international shipping, the regulations and guidelines that apply often differ based on the destination country and chosen carrier. In order to navigate these variations effectively, it’s important to do your research and also seek guidance from your freight forwarder.
Do LCL shipments require an MSDS as well?
Yes. If your LCL (Less than Container Load) shipment includes hazardous materials, an MSDS (or SDS) is required—just like with FCL shipments. It ensures safe handling, proper labeling, and compliance with international shipping regulations, even if you’re only using part of a container.
Is an MSDS Necessary When Shipping Batteries?
Yes, it is. Importing and exporting batteries, particularly lithium-ion batteries, requires significant care due to their potential risks. Lithium-ion batteries are classified as Class 9 dangerous goods because of their potential to cause fires if damaged, improperly handled, or exposed to high temperatures. One of the key steps that U.S.-based importers must take is to ensure a compliant Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is provided.
As explained earlier, the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) has been replaced by the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS). However, many in the shipping industry may still refer to it as an MSDS out of habit.
The SDS for lithium-ion batteries, or devices containing these batteries (such as laptops, mobile phones, and toys), is essential for ensuring that all parties concerned are aware of the risks and the necessary precautions. The SDS must include information on:
- The risks associated with transporting batteries.
- The proper packaging and labeling of lithium-ion batteries.
- Emergency response information in the event of a fire or other incidents involving the batteries.
Do I need an MSDS for shipping hand sanitizers or alcohol-based products?
Yes, you do. Hand sanitizers and alcohol-based products usually contain flammable ingredients like ethanol or isopropyl alcohol, which are classified as hazardous materials. An MSDS (or SDS) is required to ensure proper handling, packaging, labeling, and compliance with shipping regulations.
What happens if I ship dangerous goods without an MSDS?
Shipping dangerous goods without an MSDS (or SDS) can lead to delays, fines, rejected shipments, or even legal penalties. Customs authorities may hold or deny entry to the cargo, and carriers might refuse to transport it. Most importantly, it puts workers and emergency responders at risk due to missing safety information.
What is the UN Number When Shipping Hazardous Goods?
A UN number refers to a four-digit number that is used to identify dangerous goods being transported across supply chains. They are set out in the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, Model Regulations (UNRTDG).
There are a number of examples, such as:
- UN 1789: Hydrochloric acid
- UN 1203: Petrol
- UN 2794: Batteries, wet, filled with acid, electric storage
- UN 3480: Lithium-ion batteries (including lithium-ion polymer batteries)
Can a freight forwarder help with MSDS compliance?
Yes, a freight forwarder can help ensure MSDS compliance by reviewing your documentation, advising on hazard classifications, and making sure your shipment meets regulatory and carrier requirements. They can also assist with proper labeling, packaging, and customs paperwork for hazardous goods.
Where can I get an MSDS for my product?
You can get an MSDS (or SDS) from the manufacturer or supplier of the product. If one isn’t available, you may need to work with a certified lab or safety consultant to create one, especially if you’re producing or repackaging hazardous materials for shipping or workplace use.
Is a digital MSDS acceptable for shipping purposes?
Yes, a digital MSDS (or SDS) is generally acceptable for shipping, as long as it’s readily accessible to all parties involved and meets regulatory requirements. However, some carriers or customs authorities may still request a printed copy, so it’s best to have both versions available.
What is the Role of the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) in Shipping?
The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) is a classification system introduced by the United Nations. It classifies substances and mixtures by type and harmonizes various elements of hazard communication, including methods such as labels and, importantly, safety data sheets.
Before the GHS was introduced, many countries had their own systems for classifying hazards and communicating different hazards. While these systems often shared similarities in content and approach, their differences were considerable. Consequently, this led to differing and inconsistent classifications, labels, and material safety data sheets for the same product.
The purpose behind creating the unified system of GHS is to provide supply chains in the United States and around the world with a global standard on which they can rely to communicate the nature of various hazardous substances and mixtures. This is ultimately aimed at protecting human health and the environment during the handling, storage, and transport of these materials.
The United Nations regularly updates the GHS to reflect new developments in hazard classification and communication. The latest version, GHS Rev.10, from 2023, is available in all six UN official languages on the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) website.
What is the Role of OSHA in International Shipping?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the federal agency in charge of ensuring healthy working conditions across the United States. Its primary role is to help ensure that companies and employers in the U.S. identify, reduce, and eliminate hazards across their operations and supply chains.
As part of its role, OSHA inspects workplaces and has jurisdiction over approximately 7 million worksites across America. The regulator is able to inspect hazardous workplaces and require employers to correct these hazards.
When it comes to imported goods, OSHA ensures that U.S. workplaces handling these goods operate safely, particularly when they are storing, handling, and transporting hazardous chemicals. This includes ensuring that companies receive and utilize proper Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) in compliance with the Hazard Communication Standard.
The Hazard Communication Standard is a legal standard enforced by OSHA. It requires that the manufacturer, distributor, or importer of chemicals (including U.S.-based importers) must provide Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) for each hazardous chemical to downstream users in the supply chain. This ensures that critical safety-related information for each material is properly and uniformly communicated as hazardous materials move through the supply chain.
If OSHA identifies that a U.S.-based importer fails to ensure the proper handling and communication of safety data sheets or is communicating hazards incorrectly, the importer may face significant consequences, including fines, citations, and, in severe cases, legal action.