SAFETY DATA SHEET (SDS/MSDS) – what It Is and Why It Matters

A Safety Data Sheet contains a description of risks that could cause specific chemical substance or mixture, as well as basic physico-chemical data. Its primary purpose is to inform users of the potential hazards resulting from contact with substances or mixtures. It is an important element in the supply chain between the manufacturer – supplier – a downstream user. The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provides the recipient with information on preventive measures and the procedures to be followed in emergency situations. It is a mandatory document required for the placing and trading of chemical substances and mixtures on the market. The SDS is developed in accordance with Article 31 and Annex II of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH), as amended by Regulation (EU) 2020/878.

EKOS – Authoring of Safety Data Sheets in Full Compliance with REACH and CLP Regulations 

We provide comprehensive preparation, updating, and verification of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) in full compliance with Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH), Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP), and applicable national legislation.

• Preparation of complete 16-section Safety Data Sheets in full compliance with REACH and CLP Regulations, including their most recent amendments.
• Flexible document format allowing the inclusion of specific safety precautions and risk management measures recommended by the product manufacturer.
• Inclusion of experimental testing results to justify adapted classification 

Classification of substances and mixtures 

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) compilation and classification process

• Determination of hazard classes and categories
• Calculation-based classification of mixtures
• Development of appropriate labelling elements (hazard statements, precautionary statements, signal word, pictograms)

SDS for Manufacturers (Compiled, prepared from Scratch)

Our service includes: 

• Analysis of product composition (initial data)

• Assessment of intended product use

• Determination of classification and labelling according to CLP

• Evaluation of physical and chemical properties

• Assessment of toxicological and ecotoxicological data

• Identification of specific risk factors and special conditions

• Preparation of a complete SDS compliant with current legal requirements

SDS for importers and distributors

For importers and distributors, SDSs are compiled based on the original and current Safety Data Sheets provided by the manufacturer or supplier.

Our service includes: 

• Verification of classification in accordance with current EU and national legislation

• Adaptation to Polish legal requirements

• Issuance of the SDS in Polish

• Supplementation of missing required information

• Removal of unnecessary or non-compliant data

• Full adjustment to REACH and CLP requirements

We ensure that the final document is legally compliant and ready for market distribution.

SDS for hazardous waste

We classify product hazards based on:

• Detailed information about components,
• Classification of hazardous components,
• Technological process,
• Special conditions. 

SAFETY DATA SHEET (SDS) UPDATE – REGULATORY COMPLIANCE SERVICE

The update of a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is required pursuant to Article 31(9) of the REACH Regulation.

Suppliers shall update the Safety data sheet without delay in cases as soon as new information appear and may affect on the risk management measures, or new information on hazards.

SDS updates are performed due to:

• changes in product composition,

• technological modifications,

• amendments to legal regulations,

• changes in classification criteria (including updates to EU Regulations and ATPs).

Data required for update:

• Current version of the SDS,

• Updated composition data,

• Physico-chemical properties,

• Latest SDS from raw material suppliers.

The updated Safety Data Sheet is prepared in accordance with current legal requirements applicable since the date of the previous revision.

All revisions are implemented in compliance with Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP), including updated classification, labelling, and packaging requirements.

TRANSLATION OF SAFETY DATA SHEETS (SDS) INTO FOREIGN LANGUAGES

In accordance with Regulation EC No 1907/2006 REACH, paragraph 31, safety data sheet should be provided in the official languages ​​of the Member States where the substance or mixture is placed on the market.

Suppliers of chemical products to other EU member states are obliged to provide safety data sheets 2026 and labels in the language of the recipient.

Ekos offers the possibility of translating documentation and texts of chemical substances in the languages ​​of the EU (over 25 languages).EKOS offers professional translation of Safety Data Sheets and chemical documentation into all official EU languages (over 25 languages), ensuring legal compliance and consistent technical terminology. We provide translations, among others, into:

English (Safety Data Sheet), German (Sicherheitsdatenblatt), Czech (Bezpečnostní list), Hungarian (Biztonsági adatlap), Romanian (Fișă cu date de securitate), French (Fiche de données de sécurité), Spanish (Ficha de datos de seguridad), Slovak (Karta bezpečnostných údajov), Finnish (Käyttöturvallisuustiedote), Swedish (Säkerhetsdatablad), Danish (Sikkerhedsdatablad), Lithuanian (Saugos duomenų lapas), Dutch (Veiligheidsinformatieblad), Slovenian (Varnostni list), Ukrainian (Паспорт безопасности), as well as many other European languages.

TEMPLATE OF SAFETY DATA SHEET 2025/2026

Safety data sheet shall include the following 16 headings Download the Safety Data Sheet Template

SECTION 1: Identification of the substance/mixture and of the company/undertaking       

1.1. Product identifier    

1.2. Relevant identified uses of the substance or mixture and uses advised against          

1.3. Details of the supplier of the safety data sheet         

1.4. Emergency telephone number        

SECTION 2: Hazards identification         

2.1. Classification of the substance or mixture    

2.2. Label elements      

2.3. Other hazards        

SECTION 3: Composition/information on ingredients       

3.1. Substances

3.2. Mixtures    

SECTION 4: First aid measures  

4.1. Description of first aid measures     

4.2. Most important symptoms and effects, both acute and delayed         

4.3. Indication of any immediate medical attention and special treatment needed 

SECTION 5: Firefighting measures         

5.1. Extinguishing media

5.2. Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture         

5.3. Advice for firefighters         

SECTION 6: Accidental release measures           

6.1. Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures        

6.2. Environmental precautions  

6.3. Methods and material for containment and cleaning up         

6.4. Reference to other sections

SECTION 7: Handling and storage          

7.1. Precautions for safe handling          

7.2. Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities    

7.3. Specific end use(s) 

SECTION 8: Exposure controls/personal protection         

8.1. Control parameters

8.2. Exposure controls  

SECTION 9: Physical and chemical properties     

9.1. Information on basic physical and chemical properties         

9.2. Other information   

SECTION 10: Stability and reactivity      

10.1. Reactivity

10.2. Chemical stability 

10.3. Possibility of hazardous reactions  

10.4. Conditions to avoid           

10.5. Incompatible materials     

10.6. Hazardous decomposition products

SECTION 11: Toxicological information   

11.1. Information on toxicological effects

SECTION 12: Ecological information       

12.1. Toxicity   

12.2. Persistence and degradability        

12.3. Bioaccumulative potential 

12.4. Mobility in soil      

12.5. Results of PBT and vPvB assessment         

12.6. Other adverse effects       

SECTION 13: Disposal considerations     

13.1. Waste treatment methods 

SECTION 14: Transport information       

14.1. UN number          

14.2. UN proper shipping name  

14.3. Transport hazard class(es)

14.4. Packing group      

14.5. Environmental hazards     

14.6. Special precautions for user          

14.7. Transport in bulk according to Annex II of Marpol and the IBC Code

SECTION 15: Regulatory information     

15.1. Safety, health and environmental regulations/legislation specific for the substance or mixture          

15.2. Chemical safety assessment         

SECTION 16: Other information

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What is a Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS)

A Safety Data Sheet (SDS), previously known as MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet), is an official safety document required under the REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006. It provides comprehensive information on the hazards of a chemical substance or mixture and detailed guidance on its safe handling, storage, transport, and emergency measures.

The primary purpose of an SDS is to ensure that everyone involved in the supply chain — manufacturers, importers, distributors, and end users — has full knowledge of the chemical’s properties, risks, and safe use conditions.

According to EU legislation, a Safety Data Sheet must be supplied no later than the date of the first delivery of a hazardous chemical product. Failure to provide a compliant SDS may result in market withdrawal, administrative penalties, or legal liability, making it a critical requirement under both REACH and CLP regulations.

How Is a Safety Data Sheet Prepared and Translated in Compliance with CLP and REACH?

Preparing a compliant Safety Data Sheet requires technical expertise and in-depth knowledge of EU chemical legislation. The process begins with a detailed analysis of the product’s composition and the classification of hazards according to the CLP Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008.

Based on this assessment, a complete set of data is developed, covering:

• physicochemical properties,

• toxicological information,

• ecological impact,

• exposure controls and personal protection,

• safe handling and disposal measures.

Every SDS must strictly follow the mandatory 16-section structure defined in Annex II of the REACH Regulation. All information included must be accurate, up to date, and fully consistent with the CLP classification and labelling.

When it comes to SDS translation, a literal translation is not sufficient. The content must be adapted to national legal requirements of the target EU country, including:

• occupational exposure limits,

• local regulatory terminology,

• official language and country-specific ECHA guidance.

For this reason, professional SDS translation requires not only linguistic skills but also chemical knowledge and regulatory expertise.

Why Should You Entrust SDS Preparation and Translation to Experts?

A Safety Data Sheet is both a legal and technical document. Errors in its preparation or translation may have serious consequences. Incorrect CLP classification, missing mandatory data, or improper labelling can lead to financial penalties, border detentions, product recalls, or legal responsibility for the company.

Specialists in SDS development combine expertise in chemistry, toxicology, environmental protection, and EU chemical law. This allows them to correctly classify substances and mixtures and prepare documentation fully compliant with the latest ECHA and REACH/CLP requirements, in the appropriate language for the target market.

Professional SDS preparation ensures:

• compliance with current European Union legislation,

• correct CLP classification and labelling,

• protection of workers and end users,

• credibility and trustworthiness of your product on the market.

A well-prepared Safety Data Sheet is the foundation of responsible chemicals management and helps prevent risks to health, the environment, and your company’s reputation.

What Is the Official Safety Data Sheet Template for 2025–2026?

The SDS template for 2025–2026 is based on the updated requirements of REACH Annex II, reflecting the latest regulatory and classification changes introduced by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).  Download the Safety Data Sheet Template

Contact us: +48 668 434 473 or ekos@ekos.gda.pl