Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
What is an MSDS?
An MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) is a document that provides detailed safety information about a chemical substance or hazardous material. It outlines how to handle, store, transport, and respond to emergencies involving the substance.
MSDSs are required by occupational safety and health regulations, and they play a crucial role in hazmat shipping, workplace safety, and regulatory compliance.
Note: The term Material Safety Data Sheet has largely been replaced by SDS (Safety Data Sheet) under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), but “MSDS” is still commonly used in many industries.
MSDS vs. SDS: What’s the Difference?
Although the terms MSDS and SDS are often used interchangeably, SDS (Safety Data Sheet) is the current standard terminology under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS). An SDS provides standardized information about a product’s hazards, composition, safe handling, storage, and emergency response procedures.
For shippers, the information found on an MSDS or SDS can also help determine whether a product is classified as hazardous material or dangerous goods and what transportation requirements may apply. Having an accurate, up-to-date safety data sheet available can help ensure the proper documentation, packaging, labeling, and handling procedures are used.
What’s Included in an MSDS?
- Product identification and chemical composition
- Hazard classification (flammable, toxic, corrosive, etc.)
- Safe handling and storage instructions
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements
- First aid and firefighting measures
- Spill response and accidental release procedures
- Transport classification and shipping regulations
- Regulatory and environmental information
Example in Practice
A logistics provider shipping industrial cleaning chemicals by air must include an MSDS (or SDS) with the shipment. The document lists the UN number, hazard class, and emergency contact, ensuring compliance with IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations.
Why MSDS Documentation Matters for Shipping
When shipping chemicals or other potentially hazardous materials, an MSDS or SDS can provide important information needed to determine the appropriate transportation requirements. Depending on the product and mode of transportation, shippers may need to identify the proper UN number, hazard class, packing group, packaging requirements, and applicable carrier or regulatory restrictions.
Providing accurate safety documentation before a shipment moves can help freight forwarders, carriers, and compliance teams properly evaluate the cargo and reduce the risk of delays, misclassification, or other shipping issues. For international shipments, additional requirements may apply depending on the origin, destination, transportation mode, and applicable dangerous goods regulations.
Looking for help with making sure your shipments stay compliant? Get in touch with our expert regulatory compliance team today to see how we can assist!
