The Health and Safety Authority reminds suppliers, including retailers, of the legal requirement to provide Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) to professional users
Suppliers and retailers are reminded about the legal obligation to provide a Safety Data Sheet to professional users, including tradespeople, when chemical products are purchased in store or online.
HSA Inspectors have noticed that SDS are not always being distributed in the supply chain as required, especially in wholesale and retail settings, and remind suppliers about their obligation to do so. The SDS can be provided electronically including using direct links from their website and/or use of QR code on the product label that links directly to the SDS.
- Safety data sheets (SDS) must be provided at point of sale either in store, at the trade counter,
or online and should be received along with or before the chemical product is supplied.
The SDS can be sent separately, for example via post or e-mail.
- If sending electronically a direct link should be provided. It is not acceptable to provide a link to
the website were all SDSs are located.
- An updated or revised SDS must be provided to all former recipients of the product received within
the previous 12 months.
- The duty to provide an SDS is triggered at the point of supply to the recipient within the EU and not
at the point of entry (import) into the EU. The relevant transport documentation is normally
sufficient in transit and should be applied by the exporter.
- Customs or other relevant enforcement authorities can request an SDS at point of entry into the EU
e.g. to validate the product hazard classification.
- There is no requirement to provide an SDS to consumers, including DIY.
Relevant Irish companies especially retailers and wholesalers, are advised to put measures in place
without delay to ensure compliance with these provisions.