Since 1996, the law of New Zealand has pushed suppliers to give workers clear facts about chemical hazards. This guide walks you through the journey from early MSDS‑style sheets to the modern SDS format. You will see each legal step, the practical differences, and how the switch improves safety and compliance.
MSDS vs SDS: Key Differences
| Aspect | MSDS | SDS |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Any length, any order | Fixed 16 sections per EPA notice |
| Signal words & icons | Often none | Must show GHS pictograms and “Danger” or “Warning” |
| Hazards, First aid & PPE | Scattered | Always in Sections 2, 4 and 8 |
| Regulatory details | May be missing | Sections 12‑15 group eco, transport, legal info |
| Updates | Manual and difficult to track | Five‑year review cycle and clear revision date on page 1 |
MSDS Format Challenges That Led to SDS Standardisation
Mixed layouts made it hard for Kiwi employers to pull data into risk reviews. A single, nation‑wide format lets them slot SDS data straight into HSNO and HSWA assessments. Because the sheet mirrors GHS labels, the warnings on a drum now match the wording in Section 2, cutting mix‑ups during an emergency.
History Behind MSDS and SDS in New Zealand
The table below talks about the timeline of the introduction of hazard information and the significance of every milestone reached:
| Year | Milestone | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1996 | HSNO Act passes | Creates a single framework for managing hazardous substances and foreshadows mandatory hazard data sheets |
| 2001 | HSNO (Identification) Regulations take effect | First rule that suppliers must give an MSDS‑style sheet when a workplace is supplied |
| 2004 | Amendments refine labelling and information duties | Tightens the link between labels and safety sheets, boosting clarity for users |
| 2015 | Health and Safety at Work Act references HSNO duties | Puts a clear duty on PCBUs to keep and use current safety data sheets |
| 2017 | Hazardous Substances (Safety Data Sheets) Notice issued | Locks in the 16‑section GHS layout for all SDS supplied in NZ |
| 2021 | SDS Notice updated; GHS 7 adopted | Starts a transition to add new hazard classes and clearer wording |
| 2022 | Notice amended to clarify CAS and generic names | Fine‑tunes content rules and keeps the sheet aligned with global best practice |
| 30 Apr 2025 | End of transition period | Every SDS must now meet the 2021/22 rules or risk enforcement |
How SDS Improves Safety and Compliance
With a uniform 16-section layout, staff know where to look first. Inspectors can crosscheck Section 2 against the label in seconds. Workers jump to Section 4 for first aid without scrolling. The result is tighter control measures, fewer improvement notices, and smoother trade with Australia and other GHS markets.
Keeping Your SDS Accurate and Up to Date
Under the SDS Notice, suppliers must review each sheet at least every five years or sooner if new hazard data appears. The revised sheet, dated and marked “Revision”, has to reach all customers supplied in the past five years.
Electronic storage is acceptable if every worker can get the sheet quickly during their shift. Pairing cloud‑based SDS software with auto update alerts helps prove diligence during a WorkSafe visit.
Final Thoughts
The path from the varying formatted MSDS to today’s GHS‑aligned SDS took nearly thirty years. Clear headers, bold pictograms, and set review dates now let New Zealand companies reduce safety gaps, protect staff, and stay on the right side of HSNO, HSWA, and EPA notices.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between an MSDS and an SDS?
An SDS follows a fixed 16‑section GHS format; an MSDS did not. - Why did New Zealand move to the SDS format?
To align with the UN GHS, improve clarity, and keep pace with trading partners. - When did the SDS become compulsory?
The 16‑section format has been mandatory since 1 June 2017, with full compliance required by 30 April 2025. - Do MSDS and SDS cover the same content?
Yes. The SDS just organises the data in a clear, standard order. - What must appear on an SDS?
Signal word, GHS pictograms, hazard and precaution statements, plus all 16 numbered sections. - How often should an SDS be reviewed?
At least every five years, and sooner if new hazard information emerges.