Safety data sheet knowledge base
- Useful information for downstream users on safety data sheets
- Hazard pictogram
- EuPCS and Identified Uses in the Safety Data Sheet and in PCN Notifications
- Hazard symbols
- SDS Section 1: Mixture Product Identifier & UFI Code
- Information concerning the application on the UFI (Unique formula identifier)
- Useful information for PCN (Poison Centre Notification) submission
- Label elements of the safety data sheet
- Validity period of a safety data sheet
- Definition of safety data sheet
- Conditions under which a safety data sheet must be supplied
- Content and format elements of a safety data sheet
- CLP labelling in practice
- Hazard statements
- Precautionary statement
- R phrases and S phrases
- Preparing Safety Data Sheets (SDS) – Part 1: Introduction and Regulatory Background
- Preparing Safety Data Sheets (SDS) – Part 2: Responsibilities and the SDS Compilation Process
- Preparing Safety Data Sheets (SDS) – Part 3: The first 8 sections of the SDS in detail
- Preparing Safety Data Sheets (SDS) – Part 4 The remaining SDS sections (9–16)
- Preparing Safety Data Sheets (SDS) – Part 5: Special cases and best practices
- Abbreviations and acronyms in Safety Data Sheets
- The impact of the CLP Regulation on Safety Data Sheets
- Language of the Safety Data Sheet in the EU
- Useful information sources and databases for SDS preparation
- CLP 2026: new hazard classes for mixtures – SDS and labelling action points
Useful information and background materials for safety data sheets
Useful background material and guides for safety data sheets
MSDS-Europe – Safety Data Sheet knowledge base
The Safety Data Sheet knowledge base provides assistance in understanding the Safety Data Sheet and the related regulatory requirements.
Purpose of the Safety Data Sheet knowledge base
By creating this knowledge base, we aim to support companies working with hazardous mixtures and materials.
In the Safety Data Sheet knowledge base category, we mainly publish articles that highlight the key obligations related to Safety Data Sheets, or that can be used as a quick source of information without having to study the legislation in depth.
Identifying obligations and tasks related to Safety Data Sheets is only the first step. Appropriate background knowledge is needed to develop a solution strategy and to assess the required internal resources or the need for external support.
If you engage an advisory/service provider, it is important to understand the relevant regulations well enough to evaluate and verify the work performed (or the service used).
Attention! Certain articles in the “Safety Data Sheet knowledge base” may not cover every aspect of chemical safety (to keep them easier to understand) and may therefore contain simplified or generalised statements.
In each case, chemical safety-related tasks must be defined specifically for the given company, and only the official texts of the relevant legislation can be regarded as authoritative.
Check the latest chemical safety legislation under “Regulations on Chemical Safety”.
Latest articles in the Safety Data Sheet knowledge base category
- Abbreviations and acronyms in Safety Data Sheets
- Language requirements for the Safety Data Sheet in the EU
- Useful information sources and databases for SDS preparation
- CLP 2026: New hazard classes for mixtures – SDS and labelling action points
Other useful articles
Compass for Chemical Safety
Chemical safety in plain language.
Accessible, plain-language articles on chemical safety—useful background and practical analysis.
Latest from Compass for Chemical Safety:
- Phase-out of PFAS-containing firefighting foams: deadlines, transition, and waste management
- The CLP trap for mixture manufacturers in 2026: substance vs. mixture deadlines and action points
- Digital label under CLP: obligations, company actions and technical implementation (QR code)
- 2026 Calendar of Chemical Safety Deadlines and Actions
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Our services
To address issues and obligations related to Safety Data Sheets, we recommend our Safety Data Sheet creation, translation and revision services.