SDS Preparation & Review Services Globally | GHS-Compliant Safety Data Sheets

1. Mandatory Format and Composition

Format Standard: The Safety Data Sheet (SDS), often referred to as a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) in local documents, must strictly adhere to the internationally recognized 16-Section GHS Format.
Completeness: The SCE explicitly requires the SDS/MSDS to contain 100% of the chemical composition (Section 3). If composition is given as a range (e.g., 5-15%), the upper limit (15%) must be used for licensing and registration purposes.
GHS Alignment: The GCC is in the process of implementing GHS, aligning with GHS Revision 7. The GSO standard (GSO 2654:2023) is the reference for classification and labelling, and is expected to become mandatory national legislation.

2. Language Requirement

Bahrain's official language is Arabic, but English is widely used in business and regulation.

Bilingual Requirement: The GSO standard specifies that the SDS must be provided in both Arabic and English. This is also a requirement for product labels.
Documentation: Providing the SDS in English is the absolute minimum requirement for technical documentation. Submission to the SCE often requires the information to be readily understandable by local authorities.

3. Key Regulatory Actions

Import Licensing: The Supreme Council for Environment (SCE) requires a compliant SDS for the licensing and import/use permission of chemicals and refrigerants. This license is generally renewed annually.
Product Identification: The SDS must be accurate, and the product name and composition must exactly reflect the data used for the SCE's registration forms.
Labeling: Labels must be bilingual (Arabic and English) and include GHS pictograms, signal words, and hazard statement