What’s an SDS and Why It’s Needed in Parcel Forwarding
At forward2me, we’re committed to helping you ship your items quickly, safely, and in full compliance with international regulations. As part of that process, you may occasionally hear from our team requesting a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) – even for products that seem completely ordinary.
An MSDS (also called an SDS under newer regulations) is a document that outlines the chemical makeup and potential hazards of a product, along with safe handling and emergency response information. It’s required for many types of goods that are considered dangerous or restricted under international shipping laws, especially when traveling by air or across borders.
We understand this can be confusing, so we’ve put together this guide to explain:
- What an MSDS is
- Why certain products need it
- And what kinds of items commonly trigger this requirement
Whether you're shipping electronics, cosmetics, or car parts, this guide will help you avoid delays, rejections, or unexpected returns by understanding when an MSDS is necessary.
What Is an SDS?
An MSDS (or SDS - Safety Data Sheet) is a document that provides critical information about chemical substances or products, including:
- Physical and chemical properties
- Health hazards
- Storage and handling requirement
- Transport classification (flammable, corrosive, etc.)
It’s designed to inform anyone who handles, ships, or uses a product – such as warehouse staff, shipping couriers, customs officers, and even end-users – about potential hazards and the proper way to manage the item safely.
Although the name “MSDS” is still widely used, many regions, including those following the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), now refer to it as an “SDS.”
What’s Included in an MSDS?
An MSDS breaks down a product’s properties into multiple sections, but some of the key information includes:
Physical and Chemical Properties
Description of the product’s appearance, smell, boiling/melting point, flash point (flammability), and other physical traits that help identify the product and assess risks.
Health Hazards
Information on how the product could affect human health, such as causing irritation, allergic reactions, toxicity, or long-term effects from exposure (like carcinogenicity).
Transport Classification
Details on whether the product is considered dangerous goods for shipping. This includes information such as:
- Flammability
- Corrosiveness
- Whether it contains pressurized gases, batteries, or hazardous chemicals
- The correct UN number and hazard class for international shipping
- First Aid and Emergency Measures
- Basic instructions on what to do if someone is exposed to the product – like eye contact, ingestion, or inhalation scenarios.
Storage and Handling Instructions
Guidelines for safe storage (temperature, container type, etc.), handling precautions (e.g., wear gloves or avoid sparks), and steps to take in case of spills or leaks.
Who Provides the MSDS?
- on the product’s official website;
- from customer service upon request;
- packaged with large bulk orders or industrial shipments.
When Might You Be Asked for an MSDS?
1. If the contents are unclear, or if customs/carriers flag the item as potentially dangerous.
2. If you're shipping certain products like:
- electronics with internal batteries;
- cosmetics or personal care products;
- household cleaners or automotive items
How to Obtain an MSDS
If you’re required to provide an MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet), you can typically find it in the following ways:
Manufacturer or Supplier Website
Most companies that produce chemicals or hazardous materials host MSDS (now usually called SDS) on their websites. Look under sections like:
- “Safety Data Sheets”
- “Product Documentation”
- “Downloads” or “Support”
Try searching Google with [Product Name] + SDS site:[manufacturer's website]
If it's not online, call or email the supplier’s customer service or technical support department. They are required to provide SDS upon request.
SDS Databases
There are a few reputable online databases with thousands of SDSs:
What Happens Without an MSDS?
The package may be:
- Delayed
- Returned
- Destroyed
As a parcel forwarder, we can refuse to ship the item until the MSDS is provided.
Products That Usually Require an MSDS
These are commonly flagged by couriers, customs, or forwarding warehouses due to their chemical content, flammability, or potential hazards.
Chemicals are one of the most tightly regulated product categories in international shipping. Even seemingly harmless items like cleaning sprays, industrial lubricants, or adhesives can pose risks during transit due to their flammable, toxic, or corrosive properties.
- Examples: Solvents, industrial cleaners, adhesives, detergents, acids, bases
Why an MSDS Is Required:
- Many chemicals are classified as hazardous due to their flammability, corrosiveness, toxicity, or reactivity.
- MSDS documentation is necessary to correctly identify the hazard class under international regulations such as IATA (for air), IMDG (for sea), and ADR (for road).
- Shippers and forwarders need this info to apply proper labeling, use appropriate packaging (like UN-certified containers), and prepare shipping declarations.
- An MSDS provides detailed information about chemical composition, safe handling, and emergency procedures, all of which are necessary for the forwarder to classify the product correctly and comply with shipping regulations.
Shipping Tips:
- Even small bottles of common chemicals may be restricted for air transport.
- Some can only be shipped via ground or sea.
- If you're ordering from a supplier, request the MSDS up front and send it to your forwarder in advance.
- Examples: CO₂ cartridges (soda machines, bike inflators), butane/propane tanks, oxygen cylinders
Why an MSDS Is Required:
- Compressed gases are under high pressure and can rupture or explode under heat or impact.
- Many gases are flammable or oxidizing, which raises the risk during air or sea transport.
- Forwarders need the MSDS to assess whether the item is legally shippable and how it must be labeled and packed.
Shipping Tips:
- Most airlines prohibit compressed gases, even in small quantities.
- These items often require special packaging and valve protection.
- If you're trying to forward camping or outdoor gear, double-check if gas canisters are included.
- Examples: Perfume, nail polish, hair spray, aerosol deodorants, paint, alcohol-based cleaners
Why an MSDS Is Required:
- Products containing alcohol or other volatile substances are classified as flammable liquids or gases.
- Flammable items are restricted or banned on many passenger aircraft.
- MSDS helps determine flash point and other data needed for proper hazard labeling and customs declaration.
Shipping Tips:
- Even retail-sized containers (e.g., 50ml perfume) may be restricted.
- Some couriers accept small "limited quantity" shipments if properly packed. Consult before shipping.
- If the item is in an aerosol can, expect extra scrutiny.
- Examples: Smartphones, laptops, power banks, e-scooters, drone batteries, smartwatches
Why an MSDS Is Required:
- Lithium batteries pose a fire risk if damaged, short-circuited, or improperly packed.
- International air cargo rules are especially strict for lithium-ion (rechargeable) and lithium-metal (non-rechargeable) batteries.
- MSDS outlines watt-hour ratings, UN numbers, and handling requirements.
Shipping Tips:
- Some countries prohibit uninstalled lithium batteries from entering by air.
- If you're forwarding electronics, confirm whether the battery is installed or shipped separately, it makes a difference.
- Never try to ship damaged or swollen batteries.
- Examples: Pesticides, brake fluid, industrial degreasers, laboratory chemicals
Why an MSDS Is Required:
- These substances can cause harm on contact or release dangerous fumes if spilled.
- The MSDS is essential for emergency responders in case of leaks during transport.
- Forwarders use it to determine compatibility with other cargo and appropriate packaging materials.
Shipping Tips:
- These items often require UN-certified packaging and specific documentation.
- Some substances may require temperature control or isolation from other goods.
- Inform us in advance to avoid returns or confiscations.
- Examples: Diagnostic test kits, vaccines, certain prescription medications, alcohol-based sanitizers
Why an MSDS Is Required:
- Some medical products contain chemicals, alcohol, or biological material that may be regulated or restricted in transit.
- Products like diagnostic kits can include hazardous reagents, and biological specimens can fall under UN 3373 (Biological Substance, Category B).
- An MSDS ensures the forwarder can identify any special handling needs, such as cold chain requirements or packaging standards, and comply with health and safety regulations.
Shipping Tips:
- Some medications are legal in one country but restricted or banned in others. MSDS helps determine classification.
- If you’re shipping for research, medical, or lab purposes, prepare documentation in advance.
- Examples: Printer ink, essential oils, strong magnets, automotive parts (e.g., airbag modules, fuel system components)
Why an MSDS Is Required:
Items that seem harmless may contain regulated substances or pose indirect risks:
- Magnets can interfere with aircraft instruments.
- Ink and toner can leak under pressure or heat.
- Car parts may contain fluids or explosive components like airbags.
The MSDS helps identify “hidden” hazardous materials and determine if shipping is possible, and under what restrictions.
Shipping Tips:
- High-powered magnets (like neodymium) often need shielding to comply with IATA magnetic field limits.
- Car parts may be fine to ship if drained and cleaned but forwarders still need an MSDS to confirm.
- Many essential oils are flammable and fall under Class 3 hazardous goods, so don’t assume they’re safe just because they’re natural.
Download a guide to common SDS-required product categories, with summaries and examples.
Help Us Ship Your Items Safely
Our goal is to get your packages where they need to go fast, safe, and hassle-free. By understanding when an MSDS is required, you can help us avoid delays and make sure your shipment complies with all legal and carrier requirements.
If you’re ever unsure whether your item needs an MSDS, our support team is here to help. When in doubt, check with the seller or manufacturer in advance, and send us the documentation as soon as possible. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in ensuring smooth international delivery.