SDS Quality 2025: Are Your Safety Data Sheets Ready for Inspection?

Chemicals management and workplace safety have never been more important. Safety data sheets (SDS) are key documents for the safe handling, storage and transport of chemicals. But are your SDSs really compliant with current legal requirements and standards?

ECHA analysis reveals systemic problems

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) carried out a comprehensive analysis of SDSs across the EU and identified key shortcomings that undermine compliance and safety. Many of these problems are also present on the Serbian market, so it is important to act preventively.

The results of the analysis show that as many as over 60% of SDS documents contain at least one serious error that can lead to:

• Increased risk to workers’ health
• Legal sanctions and inspection fines
• Loss of trust from customers and partners

The most common SDS errors that inspectors act on

1. Inconsistent classification of substances (Section 2)

Problem: Different classifications of the same chemical across documents can cause confusion and increase risks to workers.

Common mistake: Using an outdated SKS list instead of the latest version, which is updated every 6 months.

How to fix it:

• Check the SKS list on the Ministry of Health website regularly
• Set up a system for notifications about classification changes
• Record the date of the last check for each SDS

2. Outdated data in SDS documents (Section 3)

Problem: Incomplete or outdated information on hazards and protective measures increases risk and can lead to legal sanctions.

Typical case: An SDS created in 2020 that is still in use without updates, despite changes in product composition or new knowledge about hazards.

Practical solution:

• Set a reminder for a review every 12 months
• Create a “tracking system” for changes in raw materials
• Establish communication with suppliers about changes

3. Lack of consistency within the SDS

Problem: Information in different sections, such as hazard identification and composition, is not consistent.

Example of inconsistency:

• Section 2 states “H315 - Causes skin irritation”
• Section 8 contains no recommendations for protective gloves

Control procedure:

• Build a “cross-check” table between Sections 2, 3 and 8
• Use automated tools to check consistency
• Have a second person do the final review

4. Problems with translating technical terms

Problem: Poor translation can lead to a wrong understanding of risks and incorrect application of protective measures. The classification, hazard statements, precautionary statements and supplemental hazard statements are not translated; they are taken from the Serbian Rulebook on classification, packaging and labelling of chemicals.

What does this mean for companies in Serbia?

Although the official ECHA analysis was not carried out in Serbia, practice shows that the same problems exist in Serbian companies as well. Our advice is clear: it is better to act preventively than to wait for an inspector to point out irregularities.

The current situation in Serbia

• Over 40% of companies use SDSs older than 3 years
• Fewer than 20% of companies have a systematic approach to updates
• Inspection findings most often concern Sections 2, 3 and 8

Step by step: A plan for improving SDS quality

Phase 1: Quick assessment (7 days)

Pick a sample of 10 SDSs and check:

• Are the classifications aligned with the latest SKS list?
• Is the composition data up to date?
• Are the protective measures specific or generic?

Phase 2: Systematic analysis (30 days)

Establish clear procedures for:

• Creating new SDSs
• Regularly updating existing ones
• Review and quality control

Phase 3: Implementing improvements (90 days)

Priorities:

• Urgent: SDSs for the most critical chemicals
• Medium term: Products with the highest volume of use
• Long term: Full harmonisation of the portfolio

Why is SDS quality a strategic advantage?

High-quality, up-to-date safety data sheets are more than a compliance obligation; they are an investment in reputation and business stability.

Concrete benefits:

• Employee safety - reduced risk of injuries and occupational diseases
• Legal certainty - compliance with Serbian and European legislation
• Market advantage - greater trust from customers and partners
• Operational efficiency - less time spent on corrections and emergency interventions

Conclusion: don’t wait for the inspection

Regular SDS review is not just a legal obligation; it is the key to success in safe and lawful business. Companies that proactively manage the quality of their SDS documents:

• Have 85% fewer inspection findings
• Save an average of 30% of time on compliance activities
• Record 40% fewer chemical-related incidents

Don’t wait for the inspection, start today!

Need expert help? Contact us for a comprehensive audit of your safety data sheets and a practical improvement plan.