Understanding MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet)

What is an MSDS?

What is an MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet)?

An MSDS is a document that details a product's possible risks and safe handling procedures.

When is an MSDS Required?

When is an MSDS required for shipments?

All shipments of lithium batteries and potentially hazardous goods must include an MSDS (whether dangerous or not).

When might an MSDS be necessary for non-hazardous items?

An MSDS may also be necessary for items like liquids, lotions, and powders to demonstrate their safety.

Why would carriers ask for an MSDS for dry or alkaline batteries?

Carriers may ask for an MSDS to confirm that dry or alkaline batteries do not contain lithium.

Submission and Verification

What is required before a shipment can start with Beeontrade?

A copy of the MSDS is required by Beeontrade before the shipment may start.

What should be done before submitting an MSDS to the app?

Verify that the MSDS is still valid before submitting it to the app.

How can one check the validity of an MSDS?

Go to Section 14, "Transport Information," and examine for the IATA DGR version to determine if it's out-of-date.

IATA DGR and MSDS Validity

What is the current edition of IATA DGR?

The IATA DGR is currently on its 59th edition as of January 1st, 2018.

When is an MSDS considered invalid in relation to IATA DGR editions?

If the products were packed following any edition before the 59th, the MSDS is no longer valid.

When does IATA release a new edition of the DGR?

IATA releases the DGR for the following year in October before it takes effect on January 1st.

When will the 60th edition of the DGR be released?

The 60th edition of the DGR will be released by IATA in October 2018.

Reusing an MSDS

An MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) is a document that details a product's possible risks and safe handling procedures. All shipments of lithium batteries and potentially hazardous goods must include an MSDS (whether dangerous or not). To demonstrate that potentially hazardous items like liquids, lotions, and powders are safe, an MSDS may also be necessary. To confirm that dry or alkaline batteries are not made of lithium, carriers may additionally ask for an MSDS. A copy of the MSDS is required by Beeontrade before the shipment may start. Verify that the MSDS is still valid before submitting it to the app. Go to Section 14, "Transport Information," and examine for what version of the IATA DGR (International Air Transport Association Dangerous Goods Regulations) the products were packaged with to determine whether an MSDS is out-of-date. The design of an MSDS may vary depending on the source, but each MSDS will be separated into sections. IATA DGR is currently on its 59th edition as of January 1st, 2018. The MSDS is no longer valid if the products were packed following any edition from before the 59th. Every year, the DGR for the following year is released by IATA in October before it takes effect on January 1st. The 60th edition of the DGR will be released by IATA in October 2018, thus suppliers should start following the new edition in October before it takes effect on January 1st, 2019, to prevent any shipping delays caused by an out-of-date MSDS. Can I use an MSDS again? Only if the hazardous material is identical between shipments can the same MSDS be utilized. For instance, as long as the same lithium battery is being used, the same MSDS for a lithium battery can be utilized in a variety of devices. For every shipment, the MSDS will still be required as proof that the dangerous material hasn't changed. It is solely the shipper's responsibility to properly package, label, record, and gather all paperwork required to send a potentially harmful material.