SDS vs MSDS
Short answer: they describe the same thing. The MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) is the pre-2012 format. The SDS (Safety Data Sheet) is the current, globally harmonised replacement. If a sheet in your binder still says MSDS, it is out of date.
| Aspect | MSDS (pre-2012) | SDS (2012+, GHS) |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Material Safety Data Sheet | Safety Data Sheet |
| In force | before 2012 (US), before 2015 (CA) | OSHA HazCom 2012, EU CLP, WHMIS 2015 |
| Format | free-form, supplier-defined | fixed 16 sections, fixed order |
| Pictograms | ANSI, NFPA, HMIS (colour bars) | 9 GHS diamond pictograms, red border |
| Signal word | none | Danger or Warning |
| Hazard phrases | free text | H-codes (H225, H319, ...) |
| Precaution phrases | free text | P-codes (P210, P280, ...) |
| Global recognition | country-specific | harmonised worldwide |
Why the change happened
The United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) was adopted in 2003 to standardise chemical hazard communication worldwide. The US adopted it in 2012 (OSHA HazCom 2012), the EU through CLP (Regulation 1272/2008), Canada through WHMIS 2015. Each country turned its old MSDS format into the shared SDS format.
What actually changed on the sheet
- Format: free-form → fixed 16 sections, in a fixed order.
- Symbols: ANSI diamond, "HMIS" bars → 9 red-bordered GHS pictograms.
- Signal word: none → "Danger" or "Warning" (never both).
- Hazard text: free-form paragraphs → standardised H-codes (H225, H319, H351...) and P-codes.
- Language: local → local + often English, in the country of use.
What to do if you still have MSDS in your files
Contact the supplier and request an SDS in the current format. If they cannot supply one, the product is either unclassified (no hazards) or the supplier is out of compliance, which is your risk in the workplace.
Related reading
Results are indicative and for educational use. Verify against your institution's protocols and the manufacturer's SDS before any real-world use. Not valid as a regulatory label. Terms of use.