SDS Authoring: Should You Outsource or Keep It In-House?

Safety Data Sheets are essential for communicating chemical hazard information, safe handling instructions, emergency measures, and regulatory details across the workplace and supply chain. For companies that manufacture, import, distribute, or use hazardous chemicals, SDS authoring is more than a documentation task. It requires technical accuracy, regulatory awareness, and a consistent review process.

One key decision is whether to handle SDS authoring internally or work with an outside provider.

Key Takeaway

Choosing between outsourced and in-house SDS authoring depends on your company’s resources, product complexity, and regulatory needs. Outsourcing can provide specialized support and scalability, while in-house authoring gives companies more direct control. For many organizations, a hybrid approach offers a practical balance of accuracy, efficiency, and internal oversight.

What Are SDS Authoring Services?

SDS authoring services help organizations create, review, update, and maintain Safety Data Sheets for chemical products. These documents typically follow the 16-section SDS format and include information such as product identification, hazards, composition, first-aid measures, handling and storage, exposure controls, and regulatory information.

For a deeper look at what goes into developing a Safety Data Sheet, read CHEMTREC’s related blog: How to Create an SDS in the United States.

In the United States, SDSs must align with OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard. OSHA’s current Hazard Communication Standard is aligned primarily with the seventh revision of the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, commonly known as GHS. According to OSHA Appendix D, SDSs must include required information in sections 1–11 and 16. Sections 12–15 may be included, but they are not mandatory under OSHA.

When Outsourcing SDS Authoring Makes Sense

Outsourcing SDS authoring may be a strong fit for companies that do not have dedicated regulatory staff or need support across multiple products, regions, or languages.

A specialized SDS authoring provider can help reduce the burden on internal teams by bringing regulatory knowledge, technical writing experience, and quality review processes. This can be especially useful when products have complex formulations, multiple hazard classifications, or frequent updates.

For companies operating across multiple jurisdictions, SDS requirements can vary by country or region. CHEMTREC’s blog One Chemical, Many Standards: Navigating SDS Variations Worldwide explains why global SDS alignment can be complex.

Outsourcing may also provide more predictable costs because companies can scale support based on project volume instead of maintaining a full internal team.

However, outsourcing still requires clear communication. Product data, formulation details, intended use, and regional requirements must be shared accurately.

When In-House SDS Authoring Makes Sense

Keeping SDS authoring in-house may work well for companies with trained regulatory professionals, frequent product changes, or highly specialized product knowledge.

Internal teams often have direct access to formulation data, testing information, and product managers, which can speed up updates. In-house authoring also gives companies more control over document style, review timelines, and internal approval steps.

The challenge is that SDS authoring requires ongoing investment. Teams need training, software, regulatory monitoring, and quality control. If the company operates in multiple markets, internal authors may also need knowledge of regional SDS requirements and classification rules.

Outsourced vs. In-House SDS Authoring: Quick Comparison

Is a Hybrid SDS Authoring Model the Better Option?

For many organizations, the best approach is not fully outsourced or fully in-house. A hybrid model can allow internal teams to provide product knowledge and final review while an outside provider supports classification, authoring, formatting, translation, or regulatory updates.

This approach can help balance internal control with specialized outside support. It may also be useful for companies that have some internal regulatory resources but need extra help during product launches, acquisitions, or large SDS update projects like OSHA’s recent HazCom update.

SDS Authoring Decision Checklist

Consider outsourcing SDS authoring if your company:

• Has limited internal regulatory resources
• Needs SDSs for multiple regions or languages
• Has a high volume of SDSs to create or update
• Wants outside quality review and authoring support
• Needs to reduce the burden on internal teams

Consider in-house SDS authoring if your company:

• Has trained regulatory professionals on staff
• Makes frequent product or formulation changes
• Needs close control over every SDS update
• Has enough volume to support software and staffing costs
• Can maintain ongoing training and quality review processes

How CHEMTREC Can Support SDS Needs

CHEMTREC provides SDS Authoring services to help organizations create and maintain accurate Safety Data Sheets. CHEMTREC’s SDS Authoring service is supported by Certified Safety Data Sheet Registered Professional (SDSRP) specialists and quality review processes to help organizations create accurate, consistent SDSs.

For companies that also need SDS availability and distribution support, CHEMTREC offers SDS Access for secure, 24/7 web-based access to SDS libraries with search capabilities and SDS Distribution to help share SDSs with authorized distributors, contractors, and customers upon request.

Organizations can also strengthen internal knowledge through CHEMTREC’s hazmat training options, which support teams involved in hazardous materials handling, packaging, shipping, and applicable regulatory requirements.