A Material Safety Data Sheet, or MSDS, is a document that explains the hazards, handling requirements, storage instructions, emergency procedures, and safety precautions for a chemical or hazardous product. In shipping and warehousing, MSDS documents help carriers, handlers, customs authorities, and emergency responders understand how a product should be transported and managed safely. Many systems now use the updated term Safety Data Sheet, or SDS, but MSDS is still commonly used in logistics and trade.
A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), now formally called a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) under GHS, is a document providing detailed information about the properties, hazards, handling, storage, and emergency procedures for chemical substances or mixtures.
- Required for all hazardous materials shipments in all transport modes
- Carriers must have MSDS documentation available during transport
- Provides emergency responders with critical information in case of a spill or accident
- Must comply with GHS (Globally Harmonized System) formatting requirements
For related logistics context, see Dedola’s medical device logistics and glossary entries on Hazmat, Dangerous Goods Surcharge, UN Number, and Cargo Insurance.
