Compliance of Safety Data Sheets in European Union Countries

ECHA’s Enforcement Forum checked over 2,500 safety data sheets across 28 EU countries between January and December 2023. Although compliance has improved compared to previous enforcement projects, 35% of the safety data sheets (SDS) checked were found to be non-compliant.

35% of the safety data sheets checked do not comply with the legislation. This is because the content does not meet the requirements or the safety data sheet has not been provided at all. However, it was also found that the flow of SDSs in the supply chain was functioning well.

Suppliers provided Safety Data Sheets to recipients when required in 96% of cases. In addition, most of the 2,500 Safety Data Sheets have been updated to the new format.

67% of Safety Data Sheets lack information on nanoforms, and 48% lack information on endocrine-disrupting properties. Another finding related to this issue is that some SDSs (16%) lack the information required by the authorization decisions.
18% of Safety Data Sheets lack the required exposure scenarios.
The Forum project also reported deficiencies in data quality in 27% of the Safety Data Sheets reviewed.
Common problems include incorrect information regarding hazard identification, composition, or exposure control.

Enforcement actions

To remedy non-compliance, inspectors primarily issued written recommendations, but also used administrative orders, fines, and in some cases, filed criminal complaints.

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