How to Produce a Safety Data Sheet for REACH and CLP

Sections in this Guide

• What is a SDS (Safety Data Sheet)?
• Sample SDS Pages
• Producing an SDS Sheet Correctly
• Common Mistakes to Avoid when Producing an SDS Sheet
• Keeping your SDS Sheet up to Date
• Related Topic: Poison Centre Notifications (PCN)
• Support and Advice
• Further Reading

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What Is a Safety Data Sheet?

A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is the key document used to communicate the safety and regulatory information for a chemical product. It outlines everything from what the product contains to how it should be handled, stored, transported, and disposed of safely.

Under EU REACH and CLP regulations, an SDS must follow a defined 16-section format and be available in the official language of every country where the product is placed on the market. For anyone manufacturing, importing, or distributing chemical products, a compliant SDS isn’t just helpful — it’s a legal requirement.

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Sample SDS Pages

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Producing an SDS Sheet Correctly

Creating an SDS isn’t simply a matter of filling in a template. Each section needs accurate and up-to-date information that aligns with both the product’s composition and the latest regulatory standards.

Here’s how to approach it properly.

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1. Gather Accurate Product Information

Before writing begins, gather the technical data needed to describe your product clearly.
This includes:

• The full formulation or list of ingredients with CAS numbers
• Supplier or manufacturer details, including emergency contact information
• Intended product uses and any known exposure scenarios

If you’re working with mixtures, identify all hazardous components and their concentrations — even those present in small amounts that could affect classification.

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2. Follow the Correct Format and Language

Your SDS must follow the official 16-section format set out in REACH Annex II (as amended by Regulation (EU) 2020/878). Each section has a specific purpose, and missing or rearranged content can lead to non-compliance.

It’s also essential that the document is provided in the correct language for each market where it’s sold. For example, a French translation is required for products sold in France, even if the original SDS was prepared in English.

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3. Classify and Label Hazards Correctly

This part forms the backbone of the SDS. Hazards must be classified under the CLP Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008) and described using the correct pictograms, signal words, and hazard statements.

Make sure your classifications are consistent with your product label.

Read our guide to the CLP Hazard Pictograms

4. Detail Safe Handling and Control Measures

Sections covering handling, storage, exposure controls, and personal protection should be written with the end-user in mind. Be specific — include recommended PPE, safe storage temperatures, and compatible materials.

Avoid generic statements such as “use suitable protective equipment”; instead, list the type of gloves, goggles, or ventilation needed.

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5. Check Data Quality and References

Information should come from reliable sources such as validated databases, safety assessments, or test reports. Avoid copying information from old or unrelated SDS documents — each product needs its own verified data.

Keeping a record of your information sources will also help demonstrate due diligence if authorities request documentation.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid when Producing a SDS

Even well-intentioned SDSs often contain errors that can cause compliance issues. The most frequent include:

• Using an outdated template or missing the latest regulatory amendments
• Providing incomplete composition or incorrect CAS numbers
• Listing hazards that don’t match the product label
• Forgetting language translations for each target market

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Keeping Your SDS Up to Date

Your SDS should be reviewed regularly and updated when:

• New hazard or safety information becomes available
• The product’s composition changes
• Regulations or exposure limits are revised

When an SDS is updated, customers and distributors must be notified and given the revised version.

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Related Topic: Poison Centre Notifications (PCN)

Once a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) has been prepared, some mixtures will also need to be notified to EU poison centres.

This process is known as a Poison Centre Notification (PCN) and is required under Annex VIII of the CLP Regulation for mixtures classified as hazardous to human health or for physical effects.

The notification provides poison centres with information that supports medical professionals in the event of accidental exposure.

It must be submitted through the ECHA Submission Portal by an EU-based importer or an appointed Authorised Representative acting on behalf of a non-EU manufacturer.

You can read more about this process on our Poison Centre Notifications (PCN)

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Support for SDS Preparation and Review

Producing a compliant SDS can be complex — especially for mixtures or imported products where data may be incomplete.

Our team at Authorised Rep Compliance can help prepare, review, or update your Safety Data Sheets to ensure they meet both EU REACH and UK REACH/CLP requirements. We can also manage translations and alignment with product labels.

If you’re developing new products or need to update existing SDS documents, we’re happy to help ensure everything is correct before market placement.

For futher advice on product compliance we can also provide Expert Product Compliance Advice

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Further Reading

For definitions see our page on Classification and Labelling (C&L) Definitions

Read our guide to the CLP Hazard Pictograms

Read our guide on Poison Centre Notifications (PCN) – What They Are and How They’re Submitted

Read guide on Understanding EPREL – The European Product Registry for Energy Labelling

Read our guide to Cosmetic Product Notification Portal (CPNP)

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