Don’t Wait Until the OSHA Deadline: Why Now is the Time to seek SDS Authoring

If you manufacture, import, or distribute chemicals in the U.S., you're likely aware of OSHA's updated Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom 2024), which went into effect on July 19, 2024. The rule introduced significant changes to Safety Data Sheet (SDS) content, hazard classification, and labeling requirements.

Updated Compliance Deadlines (HazCom 2024)

Substances

• Manufacturers, importers, and distributors:
  Labels and SDSs must be reviewed and updated by May 19, 2026.
• Employers (workplace labeling, written programs, training):
  Compliance deadline extended to November 20, 2026.

Mixtures

• Manufacturers, importers, and distributors:
  Labels and SDSs must be reviewed and updated by November 19, 2027.
• Employers (workplace labeling, written programs, training):
  Compliance deadline extended to May 19, 2028.

While these dates may appear distant, SDS remediation, data validation, labeling changes, and downstream customer distribution often take far longer than expected. Waiting until the final year—or final months—can expose businesses to compliance gaps, supply chain disruptions, and enforcement risk.

Revised Workplace Safety Measures & Chemical Handling Protocols

Key changes to the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard include:

• Enhanced Labels: Labels on small containers are now more readable and comprehensive.
• Improved Trade Secret Disclosure: Workers and first responders gain broader access to critical SDS hazard information.
• Revised Classification Criteria: Updated criteria for aerosols, desensitized explosives, and flammable gases.
• New Hazard Category: “Chemicals Under Pressure” added within the aerosols class.
• Updated Precautionary Statements: Expanded guidance for handling, storage, and disposal.
• Alignment with Federal Agencies and Canada: Improved regulatory consistency.

The Hidden Burden of SDS Updates

For a product manufacturer or supplier, updating SDSs requires:

• Identifying which products are impacted by the new standard.
• Collecting updated physical and chemical data.
• Re-authoring SDSs and generating compliant labels.
• Re-issuing SDSs to customers, vendors, and relabeling products for shipment.

This process can quickly overwhelm teams if handled manually. Beyond compliance risk, inefficiencies can result in costly supply chain disruptions.

Why Automation Is the Key

Companies that engage an SDS authoring service or implement an automated SDS authoring system gain a significant advantage:

• Centralized compliance: Reduce errors with a unified compliance platform.
• Efficiency at scale: Instantly identify impacted products.
• Downstream support: Generate compliant labels and plan production efficiently.
• Peace of mind: Stay ahead of extended 2026–2028 deadlines.

Don't Risk Falling Behind

Compliance isn’t optional. Fines, reputational damage, and customer disruptions are real risks. Modernizing your SDS authoring process protects both compliance and business continuity.

Choosing Between SDS Authoring Services or Software

To help guide your decision, explore our detailed comparison: SDS Authoring Software vs. Services .

Ready to streamline compliance? Connect with Quantum SDS today to simplify compliance and meet OSHA’s updated requirements with confidence.