Free Template

MSDS Verification Template

Run this template on every factory-issued MSDS before signing off on an order. The five-section checklist catches the documentation gaps that cause carrier rejection at the load port and customs holds at the destination.

Press Cmd+P (Mac) or Ctrl+P (Windows) and choose "Save as PDF" in the print dialog.

Format check

  • Document follows GHS 16-section format (numbered 1 through 16)
  • Document is in English (or destination-country language for EU non-English shipments)
  • Revision date is within the past 24 months
  • Document carries the factory legal entity name and address
  • Document references a specific product, not a product family

Section 1 (Identification)

  • Product name listed (matches the COA and commercial invoice)
  • CAS number listed and matches the COA
  • Recommended use stated
  • Supplier name and address present
  • Emergency phone number listed (24/7 contact)

Section 2 (Hazards identification)

  • GHS classification listed for each hazard category
  • Hazard pictograms listed
  • Signal word ("Danger" or "Warning") shown
  • Hazard statements (H-codes) listed
  • Precautionary statements (P-codes) listed

Section 14 (Transport information), most critical for DG cargo

  • UN number present and correct (cross-check against IMDG Volume 2)
  • Proper Shipping Name matches IMDG entry exactly (no trade names)
  • Hazard Class number listed (3 / 4 / 5 / 6.1 / 8 most common)
  • Subsidiary risk noted if applicable
  • Packing Group listed (I / II / III)
  • Marine Pollutant flag yes/no
  • EmS reference listed
  • Section 14 reconciles line-by-line with the DG Declaration

Section 15 (Regulatory information), destination-specific

  • TSCA Inventory listing status stated for US-bound cargo
  • REACH registration number stated for EU-bound cargo (or OR coverage referenced)
  • AICIS introduction category stated for Australia-bound cargo
  • Any restrictions, SVHC listings, or active risk evaluations noted

Common factory MSDS failures to catch

  • Generic boilerplate Section 14 pulled from a similar but not identical product
  • Section 15 silent on destination-country regulation (TSCA / REACH / AICIS)
  • MSDS in Chinese only with no English translation
  • Revision date over 24 months old
  • Trade name in Section 1 instead of substance name
  • Pictograms missing or wrong for the GHS classification

Sourzi · 20 years of chemical sourcing from Shanghai Pudong · sourcing@sourzi.com · sourzi.com/resources

Want this run for you?

We verify MSDS on every shipment.

For our buyers, every factory MSDS crosses our desk before the cargo seals. Section 14 reconciliation against the DG Declaration, Section 15 destination-country regulation cross-check, English-language confirmation. The clean MSDS is the precondition for a clean carrier booking.

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