Safety Data Sheets: Ongoing Consultation on Proposed Changes to Annex II of REACH

The European Commission has scheduled a feedback period from September 12 to October 10 on its proposed changes to Annex II of REACH. The changes relate to the requirements for safety data sheets (SDS) and are to apply as of January 1, 2020.

What are the specific changes? First, the contents of the Annex will be aligned with the current version of the UN’s Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labeling of chemicals (sixth and seventh revisions of the GHS). Second, the content will also consider the new requirements mandated by modifications to Annex VIII of the CLP Regulation.

The primary modification involves the information and its form that is to be provided to poison centers in case of emergencies. For example, the Unique Formula Identifier (UFI code) must be given on the SDS when delivering hazardous mixtures to industrial users. For unpackaged hazardous mixtures, the UFI code must appear on the SDS or on a copy of the label that accompanies the goods.

The information required for endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC) has also been expanded. It will now include concentration limits, multiplication factors, estimates of acute toxicity, and so on.

A note about the deadlines: If a company supplies an SDS to a recipient before January 1, 2020, it is valid until the end of 2022. After that, the SDS must comply with the requirements of the updated Annex II of REACH.

We can create safety data sheets in almost all country versions. If you have any questions, please contact us at sds@kft.de.