Key SDS Requirements for the Kuwaiti Market
The requirements for a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) are dictated by international standards (GHS) and the forthcoming Gulf Standardization Organization (GSO) standard GSO 2654:2023, which Kuwait is expected to adopt.
1. Format, Content, and GHS Alignment
Format: The SDS must be a 16-Section document that follows the structure and content requirements of GSO ISO 11014:2013 (the regional standard for SDS preparation).
GHS Classification: Classification must align with the GHS (Revision 7) criteria, specifically accounting for the GCC's local adaptation. This means the SDS must not include classification for GHS categories (building blocks) that the GCC has chosen not to adopt, such as:
Flammable Liquids, Category 4
Acute Toxicity (Oral, Dermal, Inhalation), Category 5
Skin Corrosion/Irritation, Category 3
Aspiration Hazard, Category 2
Detailed Disclosure: The SDS must contain all information required for the EPA's chemical declaration and licensing process, including:
Detailed list of the chemical make-up.
CASRN (Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number) for all hazardous components.
Environmental impact and health effects.
Revision Frequency: SDSs should be reviewed and revised at least every three years and must be updated within 12 months if new hazard information becomes available.
2. Language Requirement
Mandatory Bilingualism: The SDS must be provided in both Arabic and English. This requirement ensures technical accuracy for regulators and usability for local workers, aligning with the GSO standard.
Labeling: Product labels must also be bilingual (Arabic and English) and include GHS pictograms, signal words, and hazard statements.
3. Regulatory and Documentation Requirements
EPA Approval: A compliant SDS is the core document needed to obtain import and release approvals from the EPA's Chemical Safety Department. The SDS data is directly reviewed for alignment with environmental and safety standards.
MOCI Licensing: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) issues licenses for commercial chemical imports, which require supporting documentation consistent with the SDS.
Local Contact: The SDS must include the supplier/importer details and a reliable emergency contact number (Section 1).