Which is correct SDS or MSDS?

SDS vs. MSDS: What’s the Difference?

Chances are, if you’ve handled chemicals in a workplace setting, you’ve come across a safety data sheet. But you might have noticed two different acronyms floating around: MSDS and SDS. So, which one is correct? The answer is simpler than it seems.

SDS—or Safety Data Sheet—is the current standard. Back in 2012, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) updated its Hazard Communication Standard to align with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals. This major shift replaced the older term MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) with SDS, marking a move toward global consistency in chemical safety communication.

The change wasn’t just about semantics. The new SDS format introduced a uniform, 16-section layout that’s now used worldwide. From identification and hazard information to first-aid measures and disposal guidelines, each section follows a clear structure. This makes it easier for workers, emergency responders, and safety officers to quickly find critical information—regardless of where the chemical originated.

While some older facilities might still reference “MSDS,” especially in outdated documentation, those documents are considered obsolete. Compliance today requires the use of the updated SDS format. Employers are responsible for ensuring that current SDSs are accessible to employees and that training reflects the new standardized system.

So, if you're choosing between the two, SDS is the correct and required term. It’s more than a name change—it’s part of a broader effort to make workplaces safer and chemical information more transparent across borders. Whether you’re in a lab, warehouse, or manufacturing plant, knowing the difference helps keep everyone protected.