SDS Preparation & Review Services Globally | GHS-Compliant Safety Data Sheets

1. Format and System

GHS Foundation: The SDS must follow the universally recognized 16-Section GHS Format. This is the standard document required for technical assessment by the relevant authorities, including the Ministry of the Environment and Sustainable Development and the Ministry of Commerce.
Import Authorization: Importers must obtain a formal Import Authorization (Demande Déscriptive d'Importation – DDI) from the Ministry of Commerce for quantities exceeding a certain value (e.g., 12 million GNF / approx. $1,250 USD). The SDS is essential supporting documentation for this application.
International Conventions: Guinea is a party to major chemical conventions (Basel, Rotterdam, Stockholm). The SDS must verify that the product complies with any international restrictions or prior informed consent procedures (Section 15).

2. Language Requirement

Mandatory Language: The official language of Guinea is French (Français). To ensure regulatory acceptance and adherence to any local worker safety or labor laws, the SDS must be provided entirely in French.
Supplementary Language: English may be provided as a supplementary technical document but is not acceptable as the primary regulatory language.

3. Regulatory and Documentation Focus

Customs Clearance: The GHS-compliant SDS and proper labeling are necessary for smooth customs clearance and transportation logistics, as hazardous cargo requires adherence to international regulations like IMDG (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code). Accurate Section 14 (Transport Information) is critical.
Workplace Safety: Local labor laws generally require employers to protect worker health. A French-language SDS is necessary to meet this obligation by effectively communicating hazards, safe handling procedures, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements (Sections 7 & 8).
Environmental Review: The Ministry of the Environment and Sustainable Development will use the SDS to assess the potential environmental impact of the chemical, particularly for industrial or mining chemicals, underscoring the importance of accurate data in Section 12 (Ecological Information).