European Safety Data Sheets Amended

In December 2020, ECHA (European Chemicals Agency) published Guidance on the compilation of Safety Data Sheets, Version 4.0.

In Europe, Safety Data Sheets are compiled in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH). The current standard 2015/830 was amended to 2020/878. In accordance with Article 2 of Regulation (EU) 2020/878, Safety Data Sheets completed using amendment 2015/830 can continue to be used until December 2022. However, new or amended Safety Data Sheets provided after January 2021 must be provided in the current format, 2020/878.

In other words, if your product is already on the market, you have until Dec 2022 to make the change, if you are marketing a new product, you would need the new format now.

In addition to updating the SDS to meet the GHS Purple book (Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals), Version 7, the SDS 2020/878 will include the following:

Introduction of the concept “nanoform”
The Unique Formula Identifier (UFI)
Addition of SCL (Specific concentration limit), ATE (Acute toxicity calculation), and M-Factor (Multiplication factor) in Section 3
Environmental exposure controls
Flammability in section 9, now applies to gases, liquids, and solids
Particle characteristics
Introduction of Endocrine disrupting properties in several sections

Two years may seem like a long time, but as the saying goes, “time flies,” so don’t delay, contact ICC today to discuss your options for updating your current safety data sheets.

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