Overview

The European Commission has recently adopted a revised Annex II to REACH, Requirements for the compilation of safety data sheets. The main objective is to make the requirements for safety data sheets (SDSs) consistent with the Regulation on Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures and with the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals.

The revised Annex II imposes many additional requirements for SDSs which will need careful consideration by suppliers of substances and mixtures. Some of these are mentioned below. Most of the changes come into force on 1 December 2010, with provision for suppliers to follow the new Annex II before that date in certain circumstances.

In addition, SDSs for substances placed on the market before that date which are classified, labelled and packaged in accordance with the Dangerous Substances Directive and SDSs for mixtures provided to any recipient at least once before that date need not comply with the revised Annex II until 1 December 2012.

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