Chemical offers are only as reliable as the documents behind them. Three are requested again and again: the technical data sheet, the safety data sheet and the certificate of analysis. They answer different questions.
TDS: technical data sheet
The TDS describes the product: specification limits, typical properties, appearance, packaging and uses. It is the document to compare when you hold offers from several suppliers.
MSDS or SDS: safety data sheet
The safety data sheet follows the 16-section GHS format. It covers hazards, handling, storage, first aid and transport information such as the UN number and hazard class. Carriers, ports and customs often ask for it.
COA: certificate of analysis
A COA reports the measured results of a specific batch against the specification. The TDS tells you what to expect, while the COA shows what a given lot actually contains. The batch number on the COA should match the number on the bags.
Other shipping documents
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Bill of lading or transport document
- Certificate of origin when required
- Independent inspection report from a company such as SGS, Intertek or Bureau Veritas, when agreed
How we handle documents
Kasma Trade shares the TDS, MSDS and COA when they are available from the supplier. Sensitive supplier documents are provided after your purchase request is verified, matched to the stage of the deal.
