Safety data sheets (SDS) are essential documents that communicate hazards and safe handling instructions for chemical substances and mixtures. Under the REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, suppliers are required to provide them to their recipients. But can a fee be charged for delivering an SDS?

Is Providing a Safety Data Sheet Mandatory?

Yes. According to Article 31(8) of the REACH Regulation:

“The safety data sheet shall be supplied free of charge, on paper or electronically, no later than the date on which the substance or mixture is first supplied.”

This means that manufacturers, importers, and distributors cannot charge a fee for providing an SDS to a customer entitled to receive it.

Are There Any Exceptions for Charging a Fee for SDS?

Fees may be charged for services beyond the legal obligation to provide the SDS, such as:

• 🔧 preparing a new SDS on request – e.g., for a custom mixture produced in a toll manufacturing setup,

• 🖊️ customising the SDS at the client’s request, if it’s not required by law – e.g., modifying contact details, adding the client's logo, or branding,

• 🌐 translating the SDS into a different language, if the client requests a version other than the one the supplier is legally required to provide (see Article 31(5) of REACH).

What Does This Mean in Practice?

If you're a supplier of a hazardous chemical, you must provide the safety data sheet free of charge. Charging for the delivery of the SDS—whether by PDF, print, or email—is against REACH and may result in administrative penalties.

Summary

Need Help With Safety Data Sheets?

At SDS Create, we specialize in authoring, verifying, and translating safety data sheets in full compliance with REACH and CLP regulations. Get in touch with us for expert support or guidance on your SDS obligations.