Resources · Last updated September 2026
The 16-Section GHS SDS Format: A Complete Guide
Every GHS-compliant Safety Data Sheet follows the same 16-section structure, whether it's issued for Malaysia's CLASS 2013 or Singapore's SS 586. Here's what each section covers, and why translators treat some sections very differently from others.
The 16-section format comes from the UN Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). It standardizes how hazard, handling and regulatory information is presented on an SDS, so a safety officer in Penang and one in Singapore are reading the same structure — even when the source document was written in German, Mandarin or Japanese. Curious how this differs from the older MSDS format? Read SDS vs MSDS, or browse all resources.
Identification
Product identifier, recommended use and restrictions on use, supplier details, and emergency phone number.
Hazard(s) Identification
GHS classification, signal word, hazard and precautionary statements, and pictograms. High translation precision required.
Composition / Information on Ingredients
Chemical identity and concentration of hazardous ingredients, including CAS numbers.
First-Aid Measures
Symptom-specific response guidance for inhalation, skin contact, eye contact and ingestion.
Fire-Fighting Measures
Suitable extinguishing media, specific hazards from the chemical, and protective equipment for firefighters.
Accidental Release Measures
Containment, cleanup procedures and personal precautions for spills and leaks.
Handling and Storage
Safe handling precautions and storage conditions, including incompatibilities with other substances.
Exposure Controls / Personal Protection
Occupational exposure limits (OELs), engineering controls, and required personal protective equipment.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Appearance, odor, pH, melting/boiling point, flash point, solubility and related properties. High translation precision required.
Stability and Reactivity
Chemical stability, hazardous reactions, conditions to avoid, and incompatible materials. High translation precision required.
Toxicological Information
Routes of exposure, acute and chronic health effects, and available toxicity data.
Ecological Information
Aquatic and terrestrial toxicity, persistence and degradability, and bioaccumulation potential.
Disposal Considerations
Safe disposal methods and applicable waste-handling regulations.
Transport Information
UN number, proper shipping name, transport hazard class, and packing group.
Regulatory Information
Country- and region-specific regulatory status, including CLASS 2013 (Malaysia) and SS 586 (Singapore).
Other Information
Revision date, references used, and any other relevant data not captured in sections 1–15.
People Also Ask
Is the 16-section format legally required?
Yes. Both Malaysia's CLASS 2013 and Singapore's SS 586 require SDS to follow the 16-section GHS structure — it's not just a recommended format.
Do all 16 sections need to be translated?
Yes. Omitting or leaving a section in the source language is a compliance gap, even if that section seems less relevant to your product.
Which sections need the most translation precision?
Sections 2 (hazards), 3 (composition), 9 (physical/chemical properties) and 10 (stability and reactivity) carry the most substance-specific technical detail and the highest error risk.
Is the GHS format identical in every country?
The 16-section skeleton is globally standardized, but individual countries layer on local requirements — CLASS 2013's CIMS reporting fields and SS 586's local contact requirements are two examples.
Need Your SDS Translated to This Standard?
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