MSDS Certificate in India: How to Get It, Documents Required, Process & Fees

Businesses dealing with chemicals, industrial products, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and other potentially hazardous substances may be required to provide a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). This document communicates important information about a product's chemical composition, health hazards, safe handling, storage, transportation and emergency precautions.

In India, an MSDS is particularly relevant for manufacturers, importers, exporters, suppliers and industrial establishments handling hazardous chemicals. It may also be requested by customs authorities, shipping companies, international buyers and other regulatory or commercial stakeholders.

Understanding the various applicable requirements is important to ensure the workplace safety, regulatory compliance and smooth business operations. This blog explains how to obtain an MSDS in India, the documents required, the preparation process and the associated fees in 2026.

What Is an MSDS Certificate?

A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), now commonly known as a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), is a technical document containing information about the hazards, properties, handling and safety precautions associated with a chemical or product.

It helps workers, handlers, transporters and emergency personnel understand the potential risks associated with a substance and take appropriate precautions.

An MSDS generally covers 16 sections, including: -

• Product identification and chemical composition.
• Hazard identification and first-aid measures.
• Firefighting and accidental release measures.
• Handling, storage and exposure controls.
• Physical and chemical properties.
• Toxicological and ecological information.
• Disposal, transportation and regulatory information.

Important: An MSDS is not ordinarily a government-issued registration certificate in India. It is a product-specific safety document prepared by the manufacturer, importer or a competent professional based on reliable chemical and safety information.

Is an MSDS Mandatory in India?

The requirement depends on the nature of the chemical, its classification, quantity handled and the applicable regulatory framework.

The Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemicals Rules, 1989, framed under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, contain specific requirements concerning hazardous chemicals.

Under Rule 17, an occupier handling a chemical covered by the applicable criteria must arrange to obtain or develop a Safety Data Sheet in accordance with the Schedule 9. The information must accurately and properly reflect the scientific evidence used for hazard determination and remain accessible for reference.

However, this does not mean that every product or business in India requires an MSDS certificate. Applicability must be assessed based on the product and relevant legal requirements.

Who Needs an MSDS in India?

An MSDS may be required or commercially necessary for businesses involved in: -

• Chemical Manufacturing: Manufacturers producing industrial chemicals, solvents, acids, cleaning agents or other hazardous substances.
• Import and Export: Businesses importing or exporting chemicals that require product safety information for regulatory or shipping purposes.
• Pharmaceutical Companies: Manufacturers and suppliers handling chemical ingredients and substances.
• Cosmetics and Personal Care: Businesses dealing with chemical-based formulations and ingredients.
• Industrial and Manufacturing Units: Establishments storing, processing or using hazardous chemicals.
• Chemical Distributors: Suppliers and traders required to provide safety information to customers.

The applicability of statutory requirements must be checked separately for each product and business activity.

Documents Required for MSDS Preparation

Note: Not every document is mandatory in every case. Requirements depend on the product, available technical information and the purpose for which the MSDS is being prepared. Additional testing may be necessary if reliable information is unavailable.

How to Get an MSDS Certificate in India?

Obtaining an MSDS generally involves preparing and verifying a product-specific Safety Data Sheet rather than applying for a standard government-issued certificate.

The usual process involves the following steps: -

Step 1: Identify the Product

Determine the exact product, its intended use, chemical nature and whether it contains hazardous substances.

Step 2: Collect Product Information

Gather the chemical composition, CAS numbers, technical specifications, available laboratory reports and various other manufacturer details.

Step 3: Assess Chemical Hazards

Evaluate the product's physical, health and environmental hazards using reliable scientific information and applicable classification requirements.

Step 4: Prepare the Safety Data Sheet

Prepare the document using the relevant regulatory format. For the hazardous chemicals covered under the 1989 Rules, Schedule 9 provides the prescribed Safety Data Sheet framework.

Step 5: Review and Verify

Check the accuracy of chemical composition, hazard classifications, first-aid instructions, handling precautions and transportation information.

Step 6: Issue the Final MSDS

The completed document is provided to the manufacturer, importer or supplier for distribution to relevant customers, handlers or authorities, as applicable.

MSDS Certificate Fees in India (2026)

There is no single prescribed government application fee for obtaining an ordinary MSDS document in India because it is generally prepared rather than issued through a central government registration process.

The overall cost depends on: -

• Number of products requiring separate MSDS documents.
• Complexity of chemical composition.
• Availability of existing technical information.
• Requirement for laboratory testing.
• Applicable international standards or destination-country formats.
• Professional preparation and verification charges.

Businesses should obtain a quotation from a competent MSDS preparation professional or laboratory before proceeding. Laboratory testing, where required, may involve the additional charges.

Why Is an MSDS Important for Businesses?

An accurate MSDS helps businesses communicate chemical hazards, establish safe handling procedures and provide relevant information during storage, transportation and emergencies. It can also support customer documentation, export requirements and workplace safety compliance.

Businesses should review and update their MSDS whenever significant new information about the product's hazards becomes available.

Get MSDS Compliance Assistance from Remind Legal

Unsure whether your product requires an MSDS or which documentation applies? Remind Legal can assist with regulatory applicability assessment and review of relevant compliance documentation.

Get professional MSDS compliance assistance before proceeding with your business or export requirements.

Legal Disclaimer

This blog is intended for the general informational purposes and does not constitute any legal or regulatory advice. MSDS requirements may vary depending on the chemical, product classification, intended use and applicable Indian or international regulations. Businesses should obtain a product-specific compliance assessment before relying on an MSDS for regulatory, workplace safety or export purposes.