What is Material Safety Data Sheet & How to Get MSDS Certificate in India?

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The full form of MSDS is 'Material Safety Data Sheet'. It is a supporting/internal document which contains detailed information about the components or substances used in a product and is used to declare specific hazards associated with dangerous materials, components, or substances.

MSDS also contains precautionary measures that need to be taken while handling & disposing of hazardous materials. It is important to note that obtaining an MSDS certificate from a test laboratory is not mandatory. However the MSDS (Material safety data sheet) is legally required by countries that import dangerous material and goods made of such subatance.

The material safety data sheet is a technical document that contains all the required information such as chemical behavious, hazard identification and safety precatuions regarding the substance used in the products that are being imported in the country.

The MSDS Sheet or safety data sheet is prepaired on the basis of OSHA guidelines and taking all international standards such as GHS, WHIMS in consideration while preparing material safety data sheet. Read about Material Safety Data Sheets, when you will need it and how to get an MSDS certificate in India.

MSDS Certificate [Sample]

• What is an MSDS Certificate?
• When will you need a Material Safety Data Sheet?
• Sections in Material Safety Data Sheet
• Documents required for MSDS Certificate
• Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) Fees
• Process for obtaining MSDS Certificate
• How to get an MSDS Certificate in India?
• Frequently Asked Questions

The full form of MSDS is Material Safety Data Sheet. It is a supporting document and contains detailed information on the contents of a product with a technical breakdown of the components or substances used in that item.

An MSDS gives important information about the hazards involved in using chemicals or other products, including instructions on handling and disposing of chemicals or materials safely and the procedures to follow in case of an emergency.

Most products display an MSDS sheet right on their packaging. Every packaging of Hazardous products should ensure UN Mark IIP certificate as required. These sheets are vital to exporters because they must be provided to every buyer before shipping, as per local regulations.

It’s important to understand what an MSDS is and why they are relevant if you are an importer/exporter. Whether your business sells products made with hazardous materials or makes use of chemicals as part of the manufacturing process, you must have an MSDS Certificate.

What are Hazardous or Dangerous Category Products?

Dangerous goods are susceptible to volatility and pose destructive risks when not handled correctly. Shipping dangerous goods internationally have its own set of complications – complying with regulations and restrictions is everyone’s responsibility to uphold safe practices.

There are 9 classes of dangerous goods (DG), each consisting of unique characteristics and features.

Classes of Dangerous Category Products

Following are the nine classes of Dangerous Category products:

Explosives

Substances that explode or can trigger explosive devices. e.g., fireworks, dynamite, detonators, ammunition

Flammable Gas

Gases that may ignite or burn instantly. e.g., Aerosol, fire extinguishers, gas lighters, camping gas

Flammable Liquids

Liquids that at a temperature of 60°C emit flammable gases. e.g., Gasoline, oil-based paints, perfume, aftershave

Flammable Solids

Solids that may either combust during transportation or cause/contribute to a fire. e.g., Matches, camphor, waste rubber

Oxidising Substances

Substances that may give off oxygen and therefore cause or contribute to the combustion of another material. e.g., Oxygen generators, zinc chlorate, potassium chlorate

Toxic Substances

Substances that may cause death, injury, or harm to humans if swallowed, inhaled, or contacted by the skin. e.g., Cyanide, rat poison, herbicides, insecticide

Radioactive Material

Substances that spontaneously and continuously emit radiation that can be harmful to humans or animals' health can affect photographic film or X-ray film. e.g., X-ray machines, some fire, and smoke alarms

Corrosive Substances

Substances that may cause severe damage when in contact with living tissue (e.g., skin) and other materials, including metal. e.g., Sulfuric acid, mercury, hydrochloric acid, and various other acids

Miscellaneous

Substances that do not meet the criteria of the classes of dangerous goods yet are considered dangerous for transport. e.g., asbestos, dry ice, magnetic material, consumer goods, & self-inflating equipment.

MSDS Certificate is required by entities dealing with hazardous category products for various purposes:

1. Supporting document for shipments

MSDS Certificate must be included in shipments by manufacturers, suppliers, or the exporting entities to declare the material's safety measures and related information. It must contain detailed information about the given material, including how it should be stored, disposed of and potential hazards or risks associated with its use.

2. Declaration by Exporters

Exporters need to produce an MSDS if the contents of the shipments might be mistaken, perceived, or related to dangerous goods. Apart from air waybill and invoice, if you produce an MSDS when shipping, you will ship a regular shipment once it has been validated.

3. Complying with regulations and restrictions while shipping internationally

Different countries may also have different requirements, so there is no hard and fast rule for an MSDS. The bottom line is, whether the contents inside a shipment are authorized dangerous goods or may be perceived as such a type of good, they will have to adhere to proper packaging and transportation guidelines.

4. MSDS is mandatory in Europe and North America

Sellers must obtain MSDS for selling products in Europe and North America. MSDS is mandatory because purchasers within these regions require a safety data sheet before placing orders.

5. For compliance of OHSAS 18001

Entities with OHSAS 18001 Certification must obtain an MSDS certificate to comply with occupational health and safety standards.

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The reporting in an MSDS is done on 16 different parameters. The parameters are best known as sections in MSDS. They are:

• Identification
• Hazard(s) identification
• First-aid measures
• Composition/Information on ingredients
• Fire-fighting measures
• Other information
• Handling and storage
• Exposure controls/Personal protection
• Stability and reactivity
• Toxicological information
• Ecological information
• Physical and chemical properties
• Disposal considerations
• Transportation information