International legislation prescribes that bulk liquids offered for shipment by sea must be accompanied by an MSDS based on the format agreed by the UN Globally Harmonised System of Labelling of Chemicals but IPTA Members report continuing issues associated with the provision of MSDS, including missing or incorrect information on topics such as physical characteristics and transport information of products being shipped. The MSDS Information Paper put together by IPTA, Intertanko, CDI, CEFIC and DGAC sets out the regulatory environment surrounding MSDS and provides information on the format and content of MSDS for products being shipped under the IBC code. We would suggest that ship oeprators bring this to the attention of charterers and shippers and encourage them to follow its recommendations.
