Validity period of a safety data sheet
Safety data sheet knowledge base – Validity period of safety data sheets
Revision or updating of an SDS is essential to ensure that the information contained in the document is accurate and up to date.
- Validity period
- When revision of the safety data sheet is necessary
- Rules for revised (updated) safety data sheets
- Employers and suppliers are responsible
- In conclusion
Validity period
How long is a safety data sheet considered valid?
Safety data sheets do not have a “validity period” or “expiration date” in the EU.
Whether a safety data sheet is “valid” does not depend on its date of issue or revision. Instead, it depends on whether the SDS complies with the applicable legislation in force and contains up-to-date information.
From 1 January 2021, safety data sheets must be prepared or updated in line with the content and format requirements of Commission Regulation (EU) 2020/878, which amended Annex II to the REACH Regulation.
This does not mean that only safety data sheets revised on 1 January 2021 are valid.
Safety data sheets that did not comply with Commission Regulation (EU) 2020/878 but complied with Regulation (EU) No 2015/830 could be supplied until 31 December 2022 (transition period).
Downloadable safety data sheet sample (EU) 2020/878
When revision of the safety data sheet is necessary
The revision and updating of safety data sheets is not periodic (there is no requirement to revise SDSs annually, every two years, or every five years).
Revision is required whenever new relevant information becomes available about the substance or mixture.
Under Article 31(9) of the REACH Regulation, the safety data sheet shall be updated without delay in the following cases:
- as soon as new information becomes available that may affect risk management measures
- as soon as new information on hazards becomes available (e.g., a new hazard classification under the CLP Regulation)
- once an authorisation has been granted or refused (e.g., for a substance listed in Annex XIV to REACH)
- once a restriction has been imposed (Annex XVII to REACH)
Rules for revised (updated) safety data sheets
The revised safety data sheet must be sent to all recipients who were supplied with the substance or mixture in the preceding 12 months, free of charge and without request, on paper or electronically. The revised safety data sheet must include the date of the most recent update.
The issue date of the safety data sheet must be indicated on the first page.
When providing a revised version, recipients’ attention should be drawn to the changes indicated in Section 16 of the safety data sheet (if the changes are not highlighted elsewhere).
For revised safety data sheets, the revision date (e.g., “Revision: (date)”) and a version number, revision number, supersedes date, or another clear indication of which version is replaced should appear on the first page.
Employers and suppliers are responsible
Employers and suppliers are responsible for ensuring that the SDS for the substances and mixtures they use or place on the market is current and accurate. This includes updating the SDS when necessary and providing employees with the most up-to-date information on hazards and risk management measures. Failure to update the SDS in a timely manner can result in non-compliance and may increase safety risks for workers, users and consumers.
In conclusion
Revision or updating of an SDS is essential for protecting workers, consumers and the environment. Employers and suppliers should ensure that their substances and mixtures are accompanied by accurate, up-to-date safety data sheets, and that SDSs are updated without delay whenever new relevant information becomes available.
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Recommended article(s)
- Conditions under which a safety data sheet must be supplied
- Content and format elements of a safety data sheet