How to Apply for an MSDS or SDS Report (Guide)
Date：2025-11-18 09:25:28 Classification
：【question】 Visits：
Applying for an MSDS/SDS report is indeed a crucial step in the compliant circulation of chemicals and related products, especially for export trade and e-commerce platform sales. An accurate and complete report can effectively avoid customs clearance delays or market access risks. Whether it's chemical raw materials, daily chemical products, or chemical components in children's toys, obtaining an MSDS/SDS report must adhere to three principles: "accurate information + regulatory compliance + professional preparation." The core process includes document preparation, selection of an agency, and report preparation and review.
I. Core Concepts and Scope of Application
1. Relationship between MSDS and SDS
- Essentially, both are the same document. MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) is the traditional name, while SDS (Safety Data Sheet) is the standard term adopted after the implementation of the GHS globally unified system (mandatory use of SDS in the EU and other regions since 2008).
- Core Function: To convey information about the hazards of chemicals (such as toxicity and flammability), guide safe operation and emergency response, and is a mandatory document required by customs, transportation, and e-commerce platforms (such as Amazon's CSC audit).
2. Required Product Types
- Chemicals: Cleaning agents, coatings, adhesives, solvents (e.g., alcohol, acetone), lubricants, etc. (Flash point and corrosiveness must be clearly indicated).
- Daily Chemicals and Toys: Nail polish, perfumes, children's toy paints/inks (must comply with both EN71-3 and MSDS requirements), temporary tattoos, etc.
- Others: Lithium batteries (UN38.3 transport information must be additionally indicated), metal-plated products (e.g., nickel release from children's earrings), fertilizers, pesticides, etc.
II. Complete Report Processing Procedure
Step 1: Document Preparation (Crucial Prerequisite)
| Required Documents | Instructions
| Product Composition Table | Must include the CAS number of each component (e.g., "Water - CAS 7732-18-5") and percentage content (accurate to one decimal place). Mixtures must list all components (including additives, fragrances, etc.).
| Basic Product Information | Product name (Chinese and English), model, manufacturer's name/address, intended use (e.g., "surface coating for children's toys").
| Existing Testing Data | Such as flash point, pH value, heavy metal content, etc. (This can reduce repeated testing and shorten the cycle).
Risk Warning: Concealing ingredients or falsifying data may invalidate the report, and customs in the importing country may refuse to accept the goods (e.g., EU REACH regulations require ingredient transparency).
Step 2: Choosing a Professional Service Provider
- Qualification Requirements: No CMA/CNAS certification is required, but familiarity with the target country's regulations is necessary (e.g., EU GHS, US OSHA, China GB/T 16483). Priority should be given to organizations with experience in chemical classification and labeling (e.g., Dezewei Testing CNAS registration number: L8083).
- Service Differences:
- Basic Service: Report preparation only in Chinese (suitable for domestic circulation), 3 working days, cost approximately 500-800 RMB.
- International Service: Includes GHS classification and multilingual translation (English/Japanese/German, etc.), 5-7 working days, cost 500-1000 RMB (depending on language and regulatory complexity).
Step 3: Report Preparation and Review
1. Data Verification and Supplementary Testing
- The institution's engineer reviews the ingredient list. If data is missing (e.g., unknown additive CAS numbers), supplementary component analysis testing may be recommended (using techniques such as GC-MS and HPLC; additional costs apply, processing time 3-5 days).
- Example: The metal plating of children's earrings needs nickel release testing. Plating thickness and process specifications must be provided to ensure compliance with EN 1811 standards.
2. Compilation of 16 Standard Contents (Based on GHS Rev. 9)
- Core Chapters:
- Chapter 3 Ingredient Information: "Hazardous components" must be clearly identified (e.g., lead content >0.1% must be labeled).
- Chapter 8 Protective Measures: For children's products, it is recommended to "wear nitrile gloves during handling and avoid contact with children."
- Chapter 14 Transport Information: Lithium batteries must be labeled with the UN number (e.g., "UN3480") and packaging category (Class II dangerous goods).
3. Client Confirmation and Revision
- The agency provides a draft report. The company needs to verify key information such as ingredient ratios, hazard descriptions, and emergency response measures. After confirmation, a formal report is issued (primarily electronic, some agencies provide a stamped hard copy).
Step 4: Report Use and Updates
- Validity: No mandatory expiration date, but updates are required in the following situations:
1. Product formulation changes (e.g., changes in heavy metal content due to a change in pigment suppliers).
2. Target country regulations updates (e.g., new restricted substances added to the EU CLP regulations).
3. Discovery of new hazard information (e.g., long-term exposure carcinogenicity study data).
- Application Scenarios: Customs clearance documents, e-commerce platform registration (Amazon requires uploading to the "Hazmat Review" system), client delivery (a local language version must be provided with the goods).
III. Common Misconceptions and Avoidance Guidelines
1. Applicability of "No Sample Required"
- Pure substances (e.g., ethanol) or simple mixtures (e.g., water + surfactant) can be prepared based on the ingredient list, without the need for samples.
- Complex mixtures (e.g., industrial adhesives with unknown ingredients) require sample testing; otherwise, the report may be rejected due to inaccurate data.
2. Language and Regulatory Compatibility
- Export to the EU requires a report in English plus the target country's language (e.g., German for Germany). Amazon UK only accepts English reports.
- For distribution within China, reports must comply with GB/T 16483-2008 standards, which have slight differences from the international GHS (e.g., warning word classification).
3. Cost and Time Pitfalls
- Low-price advertising (less than 300 RMB) may hide "language surcharges" or "secondary review fees." It is recommended to choose a "fixed-price all-inclusive" service.
- Expedited services (1-2 business days) require an additional 50% fee. It is recommended to plan ahead to avoid emergency price increases.
Shen Gongwang Security: 44030602006947