Logistics terms · Logistics terms

What does MSDS / SDS (safety data sheet) mean in logistics?

Short answer

A standard document from the manufacturer describing a chemical’s hazards, composition, safe handling, storage, emergency and first-aid measures and transport classification.

Carriers and forwarders ask for the SDS before accepting chemicals, to decide whether the cargo is dangerous goods and how it must be packed and labelled. The Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemical Rules, 1989 also require safety data for listed chemicals. Ask our desk how this applies to your consignment.

Period: General definition. Data as of 29 Sep 2026. How we count

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The numbers behind this answer

Also called
MSDS, SDS
Category
Operations & tech
Related terms
Dangerous goods (DG), Hazchem code and TREM card, ISO tank, Tanker

Sources

  1. SSL logistics glossary

Period: General definition. Data as of 29 Sep 2026.

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