A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — formerly called an MSDS — is a standardised document that provides critical information about a chemical substance or mixture. For procurement teams in Zimbabwe, understanding SDS documents is not just good practice — it's a regulatory requirement.
What an SDS Contains
Under the UN Globally Harmonised System (GHS), an SDS must have 16 sections covering:
- Identification
- Hazard identification
- Composition/ingredients
- First-aid measures
- Fire-fighting measures
- Accidental release measures
- Handling and storage
- Exposure controls / personal protection
- Physical and chemical properties
- Stability and reactivity
- Toxicological information
- Ecological information
- Disposal considerations
- Transport information
- Regulatory information
- Other information
Why SDS Matters for Zimbabwe Compliance
ZERA, the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), and workplace safety legislation all require that SDS documents be available for hazardous chemical products. During ZIMRA clearance, customs may request SDS documentation for substances on the controlled chemicals list.
Seagull Logistics' Approach
All chemical products we supply come with current, GHS-compliant SDS documents. These are available in our Compliance & Document Centre and provided automatically with every shipment. Our compliance team is available to assist procurement staff in interpreting SDS requirements.