Amid the global trends of international trade and green energy transition, MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) for lithium-ion batteries has become a core element for enterprises in terms of international market customs clearance, safety management, and brand building.

As global demand for green energy continues to grow, lithium-ion batteries—an important energy storage solution—are being applied in an expanding range of fields. However, while lithium-ion batteries offer convenience, they also pose certain safety risks. The MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet), or Chemical Safety Data Sheet, serves as a core document for conveying product safety information and is crucial for the production, transportation, use, and disposal of lithium-ion batteries.

I. What Is MSDS?

MSDS, known in Chinese as "化学品安全技术说明书" (Chemical Safety Technical Specification) or "化学品安全数据说明书" (Chemical Safety Data Specification), is a standardized document that details a chemical’s physical and chemical properties, hazards, safe handling procedures, emergency measures, storage and transportation requirements, and other key information. It is widely used in industries such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and trade, and acts as a vital document to ensure the safe use and compliant circulation of chemicals.

For lithium-ion battery products, the MSDS provides comprehensive information—from chemical composition and hazard characteristics to safe operation guidelines—and serves as a key medium for transmitting safety information between upstream and downstream parties in the supply chain.

II. Core Content of an MSDS

A complete MSDS typically includes 16 sections, which together form a comprehensive overview of the chemical’s safety information:

1. Chemical Product and Company Identification: Includes product name, supplier information, and emergency contact number.
2. Hazard Identification: Briefly describes the chemical’s main hazards (e.g., flammability, corrosiveness, toxicity).
3. Composition/Information on Ingredients: Lists the product’s main components, concentrations, and CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) numbers.
4. First-Aid Measures: Provides emergency treatment methods for scenarios such as skin contact, eye contact, inhalation, or ingestion.
5. Fire-Fighting Measures: Specifies suitable fire extinguishing agents and protective measures for firefighters.
6. Accidental Release Measures: Guides safe cleanup of spills to avoid environmental pollution.
7. Handling and Storage: Offers precautions for safe operation and appropriate storage conditions.
8. Exposure Controls/Personal Protection: Lists recommended occupational exposure limits and personal protective equipment (PPE).
9. Physical and Chemical Properties: Describes the product’s appearance, odor, pH value, melting point, boiling point, and other physical/chemical characteristics.
10. Stability and Reactivity: Explains the chemical’s stability and reactivity with other substances.
11. Toxicological Information: Details potential health impacts (e.g., acute toxicity, chronic toxicity) on the human body.
12. Ecological Information: Describes the product’s potential environmental impacts.
13. Disposal Considerations: Provides safe disposal methods for the product and its containers.
14. Transport Information: Includes transport classification, packaging groups, and other safety-related transport details.
15. Regulatory Information: Lists key regulations applicable to the chemical.
16. Other Information: Such as document preparation/revision details and reference sources.

III. Special Requirements for Lithium-Ion Battery MSDS

The preparation of MSDS for lithium-ion batteries has unique requirements, with particular attention to the following points:

• Inclusion of UN38.3 Test Data: Lithium-ion batteries must pass UN38.3 testing (including 8 tests such as altitude simulation, thermal shock, vibration, and impact) before transportation. The test results must be clearly stated in Section 14 (Transport Information) of the MSDS.
• Reference to Safety Performance Standards: The MSDS may need to cite relevant safety performance testing standards.
• Electrolyte Composition Analysis: Lithium-ion battery MSDS typically requires chemical analysis data for the electrolyte, including its flash point, toxicity, and thermal stability. This data is often obtained through laboratory testing.

It is important to note that the MSDS is essentially an informational document, not a pure test report. It relies partially on test data and partially on information from international standards or existing literature. Accuracy and compliance must be ensured during preparation.

IV. Regulatory Basis and Importance of MSDS

MSDS preparation is not arbitrary; it must comply with relevant regulations and standards, such as the UN’s GHS (Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals), the EU’s CLP Regulation (Classification, Labeling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures), the U.S. HCS (Hazard Communication Standard), and China’s GB 30000 series standards.

The importance of MSDS for lithium-ion battery enterprises is reflected in multiple aspects:

1. "Passport" for International Trade: It is a key document for logistics companies and shipping lines to declare dangerous goods and for customs inspection. Many countries require imported chemicals to be accompanied by an MSDS; otherwise, goods may be detained or returned.
2. Legal Compliance Requirement: Under regulations such as the EU’s REACH Regulation, enterprises are obligated to transmit SDS (Safety Data Sheet, the international equivalent of MSDS) along the supply chain. Providing inaccurate or false MSDS may result in heavy fines or even legal liability.
3. Cornerstone of Enterprise Safety Management: The MSDS helps employees understand the product’s hazard characteristics, master correct handling procedures and personal protection methods, and serves as the basis for enterprise safety training and risk management.
4. Environmental Protection and Social Responsibility: By providing disposal and ecological information, the MSDS guides enterprises to fulfill their environmental responsibilities and reduce negative impacts on the environment.

V. Differences Between MSDS, SDS, and TDS

• MSDS vs. SDS: The two are essentially identical in function and content. SDS (Safety Data Sheet) is the term adopted by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the EU, while MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) is more commonly used in regions such as the U.S. and Canada. China’s national standard GB/T 16483-2008, revised in 2008, also aligned with international practices and adopted the abbreviation "SDS".
• MSDS vs. TDS: TDS (Technical Data Sheet) is a technical data sheet that focuses on a product’s technical parameters, performance indicators, and quality specifications. Unlike the MSDS, it does not emphasize safety and hazard information. The two serve different purposes and are usually provided separately.

VI. How to Obtain a Valid Lithium-Ion Battery MSDS?

Enterprises can obtain an MSDS for lithium-ion batteries through two main channels:

1. Self-Preparation: Manufacturers can prepare the MSDS independently in accordance with relevant regulations and standards. However, this requires the preparer to have in-depth professional knowledge, familiarity with the regulatory requirements of the target market, and access to accurate product data (especially test data).
2. Entrusting Professional Institutions: Given the professionalism and importance of the MSDS, many enterprises choose to entrust qualified, experienced third-party testing and certification institutions to prepare it. Professional institutions ensure the MSDS is accurate, standardized, and up-to-date, avoiding trade barriers or legal risks caused by document issues.

VII. Advantages of Choosing a Professional MSDS Service Provider

Choosing a professional institution like Guangdong Energy Storage Testing to prepare the MSDS offers the following advantages:

• Regulatory Compliance Guarantee: Ensures the MSDS meets the regulatory requirements of different countries and regions worldwide.
• Professional Accuracy: Provides accurate product hazard classification and safety recommendations based on a rich database and testing experience.
• Efficiency and Convenience: Saves the time and cost of enterprises learning and preparing independently, enabling quick access to compliant documents.
• Continuous Update Service: Offers necessary MSDS updates as regulations evolve or products change.

In today’s global market—where requirements for product safety and compliance are increasingly strict—a professional, compliant MSDS is not only a "passport" for the safe circulation of lithium-ion battery products but also a powerful tool for enterprises to demonstrate social responsibility and enhance brand trust. Planning in advance and selecting a professional partner are key to ensuring products smoothly enter the international market.