Guide to Obtaining a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

Key Requirements at a Glance

• An SDS is mandatory for any product containing harmful or potentially hazardous chemicals.
• The SDS must follow the 16-section Globally Harmonized System (GHS) format.

This guide is for all sellers and manufacturers on TikTok Shop who list products containing harmful or potentially hazardous chemicals. It explains Safety Data Sheet (SDS) requirements, how to obtain one, and how to submit it correctly. This helps ensure your product listing can be approved by us.

Confirming if an SDS is Required

TikTok Shop requires an SDS for any product that contains harmful or potentially hazardous chemicals. This applies even if the product does not require special hazardous materials (hazmat) shipping labels.
Products that often require an SDS include those containing:

• Lithium batteries
• Aerosols or pressurized containers
• Flammable liquids (such as alcohol-based products)
• Corrosive substances (acids or alkalis)
• Pesticides or insect control chemicals
• Other toxic, oxidizing, or reactive materials

If an SDS is not provided when required, TikTok Shop may block or suppress the listing until the correct document is uploaded.

Understanding When an SDS is Required

Even if your product is not regulated for shipping as dangerous goods, TikTok Shop may still require an SDS to confirm this.
Important notes:

• An SDS is required for any product containing harmful chemicals.
• If no SDS is provided, TikTok Shop may remain cautious and restrict the listing.
• For lithium battery products, a UN38.3 lithium battery test report (a standard for testing lithium batteries for transport) is accepted instead of an SDS.
  • For more information, see Guidelines for Listing Products Containing Batteries.

Obtaining the Correct SDS

You must submit the exact SDS for your specific product.
The SDS must:

• Match the exact formulation, Stock Keeping Unit (SKU), and packaging
• Be issued by the manufacturer or a qualified SDS authoring service
• Reflect the product exactly as it is sold on TikTok Shop

Important:

• Do not upload a generic or self-made SDS.
• Using an SDS for a similar product is not allowed.
• Creating your own SDS without proper testing and documentation is not compliant with federal regulations.

If you are the manufacturer:

• You may prepare the SDS only if you have the proper laboratory data and expertise.
• Otherwise, work with a certified third-party laboratory or SDS authoring service.

Many SDS documents are available through general internet searches. They can also be obtained on brand, retailer, or manufacturer websites.

Ensuring GHS Format Compliance

TikTok Shop only accepts SDS documents that follow the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) format. This includes 16 required sections.
Documents with fewer than 16 sections may be rejected.

Reviewing the 16 Required SDS Sections

Your SDS must include all 16 sections listed below.

Section 1 — Identification

• Product name (must match the listing and product label)
• Manufacturer or supplier name
• Full business address
• Business phone number
• Emergency phone number (including hours of availability and region)
• Intended use of the product

Section 2 — Hazard(s) identification

• GHS classification
• Signal word (Danger or Warning)
• Hazard pictograms
• Hazard statements (H-codes)
• Precautionary statements (P-codes)
• Other hazards, using official GHS wording

Section 3 — Composition / information on ingredients

• Hazardous ingredients
• Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) numbers
• Concentration ranges

Proprietary blends must still disclose required hazard information.

Section 4 — First-aid measures

Clear first-aid instructions for:

• Inhalation
• Skin contact
• Eye contact
• Ingestion

This includes when medical attention is needed

Section 5 — Fire-fighting measures

Firefighter information, including:

• Suitable extinguishing methods
• Combustion hazards
• Required protective equipment

Section 6 — Accidental release measures

• Personal precautions
• Protective equipment
• Cleanup methods
• Environmental precautions

Section 7 — Handling and storage

• Safe handling instructions
• Storage conditions
• Incompatibilities
• Ventilation requirements

Section 8 — Exposure controls / personal protection

• Exposure limits (if applicable)
• Engineering controls
• Recommended Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Hygiene measures

Section 9 — Physical and chemical properties

Key properties, such as:

• Appearance
• Odor
• pH
• Flash point
• Boiling point
• Density
• Solubility

Section 10 — Stability and reactivity

• Stability information
• Conditions to avoid
• Incompatible materials
• Hazardous decomposition products

Section 11 — Toxicological information

• Routes of exposure
• Symptoms
• Toxicity data (if available)
• Health effects

Section 12 — Environmental information

Potential environmental impact, including:

• Ecotoxicity
• Persistence
• Bioaccumulation

Section 13 — Disposal considerations

Guidance on safe disposal of the product and packaging in accordance with regulations

Section 14 — Transport information

• UN number (a code for identifying hazardous substances during transport)
• Proper shipping name
• Hazard class
• Packing group (if applicable)

Section 15 — Regulatory information

• Applicable safety, health, and environmental regulations

Section 16 — Other information

Date of preparation or last revision, abbreviations, and references used.
Tip: The hazard classification in your SDS must match:

• Product labels
• Transport documents
• TikTok Shop product attributes (battery details, flammability, aerosol volume, etc.)

Mismatches are a common reason for rejection.

Handling Translation and Market Language

The SDS must be provided in the official language of the market where the product is listed.
If you sell in multiple countries, you may need translated SDS versions for each market.

Uploading the SDS in

Seller Center
To upload your SDS:

1. Log in to Seller Center
2. Go to Products > Add Products
3. Select Add product or edit your product
4. Complete all product information
5. Complete required hazmat or restricted product attributes
6. Upload the SDS or UN38.3 report in the Product Certification / Documents section

Listings missing required documents or attributes may be blocked.

Final Pre-Upload Quality Checklist

Before uploading, confirm that:

• The SDS includes a preparation or revision date.
• The manufacturer or qualified author is clearly identified.
• The emergency phone number is valid and reachable.
• Ingredient CAS numbers and concentration ranges are included.
• GHS classifications, hazard statements, and pictograms are consistent.
• Transport information (Section 14) is complete.
• The file is a searchable PDF with a clear file name.
• The SDS language matches the listing country.
• Product attributes in the listing match the SDS.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Uploading a generic SDS that does not match your product or the brand
• Missing or unreachable emergency phone numbers
• Conflicting hazard classifications across documents
• Submitting an outdated SDS without a revision date
• Uploading an SDS in the wrong language

If you do not have an SDS

If you do not have an SDS:

• Request the current SDS from your manufacturer or supplier
• If you are the manufacturer or importer, work with:
  • A certified laboratory, or
  • A qualified SDS authoring service or chemist.

Providing an accurate, complete SDS helps prevent listing delays and rejections.
For more information on listing these products, see Dangerous Goods Policy.