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Material safety data sheet information for an imported chemical

Summary A chemical exporter asked OSHA for a material safety data sheet to compare with its own for a product shipped to the United States. OSHA said it did not maintain or approve manufacturers' sheets, but enclosed a blank template and the hazard communication rule. It also pointed to the U.S. importer's responsibilities as a source of help.
Document
Federal opinion letter
Agency
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Document number
1997-01-30-0
Date issued
January 30, 1997
Status
Active
Status last verified October 9, 2026
Topics
Workplace Safety OSHA 1910 Hazard Communication Safety Data Sheets
Source
View the official document

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About this page: The full text below is the official document from Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Ezel adds the plain-English summary and tracks the document's status. The official source linked on this page is authoritative for any reliance.

January 30, 1997

Mr. Bernard Behrens
Export Development
Boryszew S.A.
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Behrens:

Thank you for your inquiry regarding the information required on Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs). While the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is responsible for the content and interpretation of the Hazard Communication Standard, we do not act as a repository for MSDSs, nor do we approve MSDSs produced by manufacturers. Therefore, OSHA is not in a position to provide you with an MSDS for di-octyl phthalate for comparison purposes. We have enclosed, however, a blank MSDS which was published by OSHA and may be used as a template to help your company organize the MSDS information.

Also, enclosed is a copy of the Hazard Communication Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200. The text of the standard begins on page 6170. Please allow me to point out that the importer of your product in the United States has responsibilities outlined in the standard and should be a source of assistance to you in this regard.

I hope that this information is helpful. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have further questions.

Sincerely,

Ruth McCully, Director
Office of Health Compliance Assistance

[Requester letter reproduced on OSHA page; omitted here.]

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