Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) are a critical source of safety information for workers and professionals in the supply chain. In 2020, the European Union (EU) published revised Annex II to the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation, which includes updated content and format requirements for SDSs. These revisions are set to be enforced in 2023, and the EU has recently launched an EU-wide enforcement project called REF-11 to ensure compliance of SDSs for chemicals sold in the EU market.
What is Annex II to REACH?
Annex II to REACH is a regulatory document that provides detailed requirements for the preparation of SDSs for hazardous substances and mixtures. SDSs are important documents that provide information on the properties, hazards, safe handling, and emergency response measures for chemicals. Annex II to REACH outlines the specific content and format requirements for SDSs to ensure consistency and accuracy of information across the EU.
What is REF-11?
REF-11 is an EU-wide enforcement project that focuses on assessing the compliance of SDSs with the revised Annex II requirements. The main objective of REF-11 is to verify that SDSs for chemicals sold in the EU market meet the updated regulatory requirements. National enforcement authorities are conducting inspections to assess compliance, and these inspections are expected to take place throughout 2023.
Importance of Compliance with Annex II Requirements
Compliance with the revised Annex II requirements for SDSs is crucial for businesses involved in the supply chain of chemicals in the EU market. Non-compliance can result in legal consequences, including fines and penalties, as well as potential harm to workers and the environment. Therefore, it is essential for businesses to stay updated with regulatory changes and ensure their SDSs are in compliance with the latest requirements.
How TotalSDS Can Help:
TotalSDS is a provider of regulatory compliance solutions for SDSs and offers TotalSDS Author, a software solution that helps businesses maintain compliance with the revised Annex II requirements. Here’s how TotalSDS can assist:
Regulatory Specialist Expertise: TotalSDS has regulatory specialists who consistently monitor regulatory updates, including changes to Annex II to REACH, to keep businesses informed about the latest requirements.
Software Solution: TotalSDS Author is a software solution that provides businesses with up-to-date criteria for authoring SDSs that are compliant with the revised Annex II requirements. The software includes thousands of translated SDS phrases and offers on-demand custom translation in all EU member state languages, making it easier for businesses to create SDSs that meet regulatory requirements.
SDS Translation Expertise: TotalSDS has been a leader in SDS translation for almost two decades, providing businesses with accurate translations of SDSs in multiple languages to meet the requirements of different EU member states.
Expert Assistance: TotalSDS’s team of experts can guide and support businesses in navigating the complex regulatory landscape and ensuring compliance with the revised Annex II requirements.
Conclusion:
Compliance with the revised Annex II requirements for SDSs is essential for businesses involved in the supply chain of chemicals in the EU market. With the launch of the REF-11 enforcement project, it is crucial for businesses to stay updated with the latest regulatory changes and ensure their SDSs are in compliance. TotalSDS offers regulatory compliance solutions, including TotalSDS Author software and expertise in SDS translation, to help businesses meet the requirements of the revised Annex II to REACH and ensure compliance with EU regulations. Contact TotalSDS’s team for expert assistance in maintaining compliance with changing regulations and ensuring the safety of workers and the environment.
