Key SDS Requirements for the Liberian Market

1. Format and Content

• Required Format: The EPA's guidelines reference the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), but the content requirements align with the internationally recognized 16-Section GHS Format. The SDS must be prepared by the manufacturer.

• Specific Required Information: The guidelines mandate that the SDS (MSDS) must clearly contain the following specific sections/data points for the EPA's review:

  • Identification of the product and the company (Section 1).

  • Composition and information on ingredients (Section 3).

  • CAS/EINECS/EC number for components.

  • Hazard identification/HMIS rating (Section 2).

  • First aid, firefighting, and accidental release measures (Sections 4-6).

• Specificity: The EPA strictly requires the specific chemical names of the imported items, stating that general names (e.g., "foaming agent," "industrial gases") are unacceptable. This emphasizes the need for a precise, complete SDS composition (Section 3).

2. Language Requirement

• Primary Language: The official language of Liberia is English.

• SDS Language: The SDS must be provided in English. There is no requirement for translation into local dialects for regulatory submission.

3. Regulatory and Documentation Focus

• EPA Import License: The SDS is the cornerstone document for applying for an import license with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA uses the SDS to assess the risk of the chemicals before granting permission.

• Storage and Transport: The guidelines require that the storage facility complies with rules regarding location (e.g., must be $>100 \text{ m}$ from residences/water courses) and conditions. The SDS must accurately detail the Storage Condition (Section 7) and Hazard Class and Rating to ensure compliance with local storage requirements.

• International Conventions: The guidelines prohibit the importation of chemicals restricted under international conventions (like Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions), to which Liberia is a State Party. The SDS must reflect the product's compliance status in Section 15.