Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

Forwarders and airlines often ask for an SDS (still widely called MSDS in China) before booking cosmetics, liquids, aerosols, batteries, magnets or anything that might be hazardous. Section 14 gives the transport classification, which tells the carrier whether the goods travel as dangerous goods.

An SDS written by the factory is only as good as its data: check that it names your exact product, is recent, and that its transport section is consistent with test reports such as a UN38.3 summary. It is not a certificate of safety or compliance. See sea vs air vs rail vs express shipping.