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Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are the primary means of communicating information (to employers using or storing hazardous substances or mixtures) on the hazards of chemicals and the risks they pose to human health and the environment. On June 25, 2020, the European Commission amended Annex II of REACH, concerning the compilation of Safety Data Sheets (SDS).

Annex II of REACH lays out the requirements for compiling an SDS. Commission Regulation (EU) 2020/878 revises the Annex and was implemented from 1st January 2021. All SDSs are now required to be authored in line with these revisions. 

The new requirements include:

• Alignment of SDS with the UN Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) Revisions 7 and 8

• Inclusion of Unique Formula Identifiers (UFIs) to Section 1 (in line with Regulation (EU) 2017/542)

• Additional information requirements for substances placed on the market as a nanoform (in line with Regulation (EU) 2018/1881) and for substances and mixtures with endocrine-disrupting properties

• Addition of the Specific Concentration Limits (SCLs), multiplying factors and acute toxicity estimates (ATE), if available, set in accordance with CLP 1272/2008.

What about existing Safety Data Sheets?

Don’t panic! Existing SDSs - if they are compliant with Commission Regulation (EU) 2015/830 can be used until 31 December 2022. After this date, all SDS will need to be updated to the new requirements.

Be prepared

Make sure you’re ready for the implementation date in January 2022 and start to prepare for the changes now:

• Gather your information so that you can update your safety data sheets

• Incorporate the changes into your templates

• Ensure any new safety data sheets written after 1 Jan 2021 meet the new requirements

• Ensure you update your safety data sheets in good time for the 31 December 2022 deadline.

How can Yordas help?

Yordas Group can support you at every stage - from drafting or updating your SDS to auditing, editing, branding, and translating them into more than 35 languages. 

Get in touch with our team of experts today for a free SDS Health Check to review one SDS and detail any areas of non-compliance. 

Watch our free webinar ‘Reach Annex II Update - What are the changes and when do you need to comply?’ to learn more about the legislative background of SDSs and the main requirements of suppliers of chemical products.

 For more information about our HazCom services, click here.