Guide
SDS vs MSDS: What Changed and Why It Matters
An MSDS (material safety data sheet) is the older name and format; an SDS (safety data sheet) is the current standardized 16-section document aligned with the Globally Harmonized System. The key difference is structure: MSDSs had no required order, whereas an SDS has fixed section numbers and titles that make the same information easy to find on every sheet.
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How MSDS became SDS
OSHA's original Hazard Communication Standard, issued in the early 1980s, required employers to have a material safety data sheet for each hazardous chemical but did not dictate the order or headings. Suppliers adopted various layouts. Some followed a voluntary format, such as OSHA's own optional sample form or an industry consensus standard, while others used their own. Workers had to learn each supplier's style.
In 2012, OSHA revised the standard to align with the GHS. It introduced the 16-section format, harmonized label elements and new classification criteria, and replaced the term MSDS with SDS. A phased transition followed during the mid-2010s, after which suppliers were expected to provide GHS-style labels and sheets. Today, a document called "MSDS" that has no 16-section structure is almost certainly out of date.
The main differences
| Feature | Old MSDS | Current SDS |
|---|---|---|
| Format | No required order; varied by supplier | 16 sections in a fixed order |
| Hazard classification | Hazard determination by the supplier, with flexible criteria; often "flammable / combustible / toxic" language | Defined hazard classes and categories from the GHS |
| Label link | Little standardization between label and sheet | Matching signal word, pictograms, hazard and precautionary statements |
| Hazard wording | Free text | Standard hazard statements (H-codes) and precautionary statements (P-codes) |
| International use | Sheets differed by country | Layout familiar in most GHS countries |
Note that GHS adoption differs between countries, so "SDS" in the United States, Canada, the EU or Australia are broadly similar in layout but not identical in content. See the UN GHS page and the regulations index.
What to do with old MSDS documents
- Do not rely on them for current hazards. The classification, the exposure limits and the regulatory information in an old sheet may be out of date.
- Request a current SDS from the supplier for any product you still use. See how to get an SDS.
- Do not throw old sheets away blindly. They may be part of exposure records that must be retained, or you may need a record of chemical identity and where and when the product was used. See how long to keep SDS records.
- Update your chemical inventory and training. Employees should know the GHS label elements and the 16-section format. See HazCom training.
Is it wrong to say MSDS?
The term is still used casually, and search engines understand both. Many workers still say "MSDS". But if you are writing a procedure, a policy or a regulatory submission, use "SDS" because that is the term in current regulations. If a supplier sends a document titled "MSDS", check whether it follows the 16-section layout; if not, ask for an updated sheet.
You may also receive documents with other titles, such as a "technical data sheet" or "product data sheet". These usually describe product performance and are not HazCom safety data sheets.
Checking that a sheet is a real SDS
Quick checks: the document has 16 numbered sections in order; Section 2 shows the signal word, pictograms and H/P statements; Section 16 shows a date; and the product name matches your container. If any of these is missing, treat the sheet as suspect. You can paste text or upload a file to the AI SDS analyzer for a plain-language summary and a list of missing items. Learn more about the 16 sections on our sections page.
Frequently asked questions
Is MSDS the same as SDS?
They are the same idea, but the MSDS was the older format with no required layout, while the SDS has 16 sections in a fixed order aligned with the GHS.
Is it still legal to use an old MSDS?
In US workplaces, the HazCom standard requires SDSs in the current format. An old MSDS for a product that is still in use should be replaced by a current SDS from the supplier.
Why did the name change?
The name changed when OSHA aligned the HazCom standard with the GHS. The word 'material' was dropped and the 16-section format was introduced to match the international layout.
Do I need to keep old MSDSs?
Possibly. Sheets can be part of employee exposure records, and the retention rules in OSHA's records access standard may apply. See the guide on how long to keep SDS records.