Aligning with the European Union: New Standards for Safety Data Sheets in Serbia
Serbia is taking a significant step towards harmonization with the European Union (EU) by adopting a revised format for Safety Data Sheets in Serbia (SDS) for chemical substances and mixtures. This move signals Serbia’s commitment to aligning its chemical legislation with the EU’s CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging) and REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) regulations.
The Ministry of Environmental Protection of Serbia, the governing body for chemical regulations in the country, has published a new rulebook outlining the specific content requirements for SDSs. This ensures that manufacturers, importers, and distributors operating within Serbia adhere to the same standards as their EU counterparts when dealing with dangerous substances and mixtures.
Complying with the New Format:
Effective September 1st, 2024, all SDSs used in Serbia must comply with the latest EU REACH format. This signifies a critical change for companies operating within the Serbian market. One key requirement is the inclusion of information regarding the potential endocrine-disrupting properties of the substance(s) in question, provided they fall under relevant classifications. This aligns with the EU’s focus on protecting human health and the environment from the potential risks associated with endocrine disruptors, which can interfere with hormonal functions.
Minor Distinctions:
While Serbia’s new SDS format closely mirrors the EU REACH format, there are some minor distinctions. Notably, the UFI (Unique Formula Identifier) code is not mandatory on Serbian SDSs. This is because the PCN (Poison Centre Notification) obligation, which necessitates the UFI code in the EU, is not currently part of Serbian chemical legislation. This minor difference underscores the ongoing development of Serbia’s chemical regulatory framework as it strives to achieve full harmonization with the EU.
Benefits of the New Format:
The adoption of the EU REACH format for SDSs in Serbia offers several advantages:
- Enhanced Transparency and Communication: The standardized format facilitates clear and consistent communication of hazard information across borders. This empowers businesses in Serbia to seamlessly interact with the EU market and vice versa.
- Improved Risk Management: The inclusion of detailed information on potential health and environmental risks empowers users of chemical substances and mixtures in Serbia to make informed decisions regarding safe handling and use.
- Streamlined Compliance: By aligning with the EU format, companies operating in both Serbia and the EU can leverage a single SDS format, reducing administrative burdens and streamlining compliance processes.
Looking Ahead:
Serbia’s adoption of the EU REACH format for SDSs represents a significant step towards aligning its chemical regulations with the EU. This move fosters a safer environment for workers and the public by promoting more informed handling of hazardous chemicals. As Serbia continues to develop its chemical regulatory framework, further harmonization with the EU is expected. In consequence, this will lead to a more integrated and efficient chemical management system across the region.
Do you need to prepare your Safety Data Sheet according to the latest version of REACH Regulation Annex II? We can help, contact us!
Source: Uzzpro
