SDS vs. MSDS: What’s the Difference and Which Format Is Required Today?

Key Takeaway

SDS, or Safety Data Sheet, is the current standardized format for chemical hazard communication. MSDS, or Material Safety Data Sheet, is the older document type that was replaced by SDS in 2012 under OSHA’s alignment with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals, commonly known as GHS. Companies should use SDSs today to meet current hazard communication requirements.

What Is the Difference Between SDS and MSDS?

Safety Data Sheets, or SDSs, are used to communicate chemical hazards, safe handling instructions, first-aid measures, storage guidance, and emergency response information. Material Safety Data Sheets, or MSDSs, were the older version of these documents and were mainly associated with the U.S. They were not standardized or globally recognized in the same way SDSs are today.

The key difference is that SDS replaced MSDS as the standardized format under OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard alignment with GHS (OSHA HazCom). OSHA states that Safety Data Sheets must follow a uniform format and include required section numbers, headings, and related information.

In simple terms: MSDS is the older term. SDS is the required format companies need today.

SDS vs. MSDS: Key Differences

Whether someone searches for SDS vs. MSDS or MSDS vs. SDS, the answer is the same: SDS is the current standardized format, while MSDS refers to the older document. The transition from MSDS to SDS was designed to make chemical safety information more consistent and easier to understand across workplaces, supply chains, and regulatory regions.

What Is Included in an SDS?

An SDS follows a 16-section format. These sections include information such as product identification, hazard identification, composition, first-aid measures, firefighting measures, accidental release measures, handling and storage, exposure controls, physical and chemical properties, stability and reactivity, toxicological information, and other required details.

Under OSHA Appendix D, SDSs must include specified information for sections 1–11 and 16. Sections 12–15 are included to support consistency with the GHS format, although OSHA does not enforce the content of those sections because they fall under other agencies’ jurisdiction.

For a deeper look at the SDS creation process, read CHEMTREC’s related article: How to Create an SDS in the United States.

Is MSDS Still Accepted?

Although MSDS is still frequently used colloquially, the documents are to be replaced by SDS by June 1, 2015. If chemical safety documents are still labeled “MSDS,” they need to be reviewed and updated to the current SDS format.

This is especially important for chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors, and employers that must maintain accurate, accessible safety data sheets for hazardous chemicals. OSHA requires chemical manufacturers, distributors, or importers to provide SDSs for each hazardous chemical, and employers must make SDSs available to employees.

Companies with older documents may also benefit from professional SDS authoring support to help update MSDS documents to the current SDS format.

Recent OSHA HazCom Updates

OSHA updated the Hazard Communication Standard in 2024 to align primarily with Revision 7 of GHS. The final rule was published on May 20, 2024, and became effective on July 19, 2024.

OSHA later extended the first compliance deadlines. The deadline for chemical manufacturers, importers, and distributors evaluating substances was moved from January 19, 2026, to May 19, 2026. Other related compliance dates were also extended by four months.

For companies that manufacture, import, distribute, or ship chemicals to the United States, these updates make it important to review SDS libraries, product classifications, labels, and internal hazard communication programs.

For more on the updated deadlines, read CHEMTREC’s related article: OSHA Extends HCS Compliance Deadlines.

When Do You Need an SDS?

Companies generally need SDSs when they manufacture, import, distribute, or use hazardous chemicals in the workplace. SDSs help employees, downstream users, emergency res#ponders, and supply chain partners understand product hazards and the precautions needed for safe handling, storage, transport, and response.

An SDS may be needed when:

• A chemical product is manufactured or imported
• A hazardous chemical is used in the workplace
• A distributor or customer requests safety information
• A product classification or regulatory requirement changes
• An older MSDS needs to be updated to the current SDS format

How CHEMTREC Can Help

Keeping SDSs accurate, current, and accessible can be challenging, especially when regulations change or product lines expand. CHEMTREC provides SDS solutions that help companies create, access, and distribute safety data sheets more efficiently.

CHEMTREC’s SDS Authoring services support SDS creation, updates, quality review, and regulatory alignment. CHEMTREC also offers SDS Access, which provides secure, 24/7 web-based access to SDS libraries, and SDS Distribution, which helps companies share SDSs with customers, contractors, or distributors upon request.

Conclusion

The difference between SDS and MSDS comes down to format, consistency, and current regulatory expectations. MSDS was the older approach, while SDS is the standardized format used today for hazard communication.

As OSHA HazCom requirements continue to evolve, companies should review their SDS libraries, update outdated documents, and keep safety information accessible to employees and downstream users.

Need help updating older MSDS documents or supporting current SDS workflows? Explore CHEMTREC’s Safety Data Sheet Solutions for SDS authoring, access, and distribution support.