An overview of the key regulations on safety data sheets
Safety data sheets are especially relevant to users of chemicals because they ultimately provide information on the identity of the corresponding product. Find out how to compile such a document here.
Compiling a safety data sheet can be a challenge for any company. The use of software products can provide business owners with support – but the distributor is ultimately responsible for the accuracy of the information.
The web links on the topic of "safety data sheets" here can help you with your compilation of safety data sheets and offer you information on the work of the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA).
An overview of the key regulations
The distributor of a product is responsible for ensuring that the safety data sheet is factually correct and filled out in full. It is also important for this document to be adapted regularly to the current state of knowledge. This is the case if new information has an impact on risk management measures, new information on risks becomes available, or approvals and restrictions have taken place. The basic requirements surrounding the compilation of safety data sheets are set out in Article 31 (requirements of safety data sheets) in connection with Annex II (guidance on the compilation of safety data sheets) of the REACH Regulation (EC) no. 1907/2006.
With effect from 1st June 2015, Annex II of Regulation (EC) no. 1907/2006 gained the version of the annex of Regulation (EU) no. 2015/830 dating from 28th May 2015.
With effect from 1st January 2021, Annex II of Regulation (EC) no. 1907/2006 gained the version of the annex of Regulation (EU) no. 2020/878 dating from 18th June 2020. By way of derogation, safety data sheets not complying with the Annex to the Regulation (EU) no. 2020/878 may continue to be provided until 31 December 2022.
Guidances
The compilation of safety data sheets on the basis of the REACH Regulation is detailed in the "Guidance on the Compilation of Safety Data Sheets" issued by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). It also contains instructions on transitional periods for the changes which were required in 2021/22.
At its 59th session on 14th and 15th November 2016, the Committee on Hazardous Substances (AGS) approved the new version of TRGS 220 "Nationale Aspekte beim Erstellen von Sicherheitsdatenblättern / National aspects when creating safety data sheets". It was published in the Joint Ministerial Gazette and in the internet in March 2017.
At its 69th meeting on December 8 and 9, 2021, the Committee on Hazardous Substances (AGS) adopted amendments and additions to TRGS 220 "National Aspects in the Preparation of Safety Data Sheets". A new version of TRGS 220 was published in the Joint Ministerial Gazette and in the Internet in March 2022.
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