The obligation
Manufacturers and importers of hazardous chemicals supplied to Australian workplaces must prepare a conforming SDS. The Code sets out which chemicals require an SDS and which are exempt.
Under the model WHS Regulations, manufacturers and importers of hazardous chemicals supplied to a workplace must prepare a Safety Data Sheet (SDS). The Code of Practice specifies trigger criteria: a chemical is in scope if it meets GHS hazard classification thresholds. Exempt chemicals include those supplied solely for personal/domestic use and those below concentration thresholds. Duty-holders must determine applicability before supply or first manufacture.
- What
- Manufacturers and importers of hazardous chemicals supplied to Australian workplaces must prepare a conforming SDS. The Code sets out which chemicals require an SDS and which are exempt.
- Source
- safeworkaustralia.gov.au
description
Full analysis
lock
Free account
tips_and_updates
What this means for you
lock
Free account
lock_open
Read the full analysis, tailored to your industry
- star
Impact summary tailored to your industry
- check_circle
Full plain-English analysis of what changed
- check_circle
Email alerts & digests when this law changes
- check_circle
Compliance self-assessment tools
Labels
SDS
hazardous chemicals
GHS
manufacturer
importer
Official sources
Frequently asked questions
Which WHS law does this come from?
Who must prepare a Safety Data Sheet is a WHS requirement set out in Preparation of safety data sheets for hazardous chemicals (FEDERAL). It is made under Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (FEDERAL). The relevant provision is Federal > Code of Practice > Hazardous Chemicals > SDS Preparation.
What does this WHS obligation require?
Who must prepare a Safety Data Sheet is a WHS obligation under Preparation of safety data sheets for hazardous chemicals (FEDERAL). In short, Manufacturers and importers of hazardous chemicals supplied to Australian workplaces must prepare a conforming SDS. The Code sets out which chemicals require an SDS and which are exempt.
What changed recently?
Who must prepare a Safety Data Sheet was last updated on 26 August 2026.
