MSDS stands for Material Safety Data Sheet. It is the official document that explains hazards, safe handling, storage, transport and first aid for a chemical or mixture. In vaping this applies to base ingredients like propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine, nicotine solutions, flavour concentrates and the finished e liquid. The sheet travels with the product through the supply chain so mixers, warehouses, shops, couriers and first responders know how to handle it.
MSDS or SDS
MSDS is the older name. The modern term is SDS which stands for Safety Data Sheet. The purpose is the same. It gives a single source of truth for safety so everyone who touches the product can follow the same rules.
Who needs an MSDS in vaping
Manufacturers must create an SDS for each hazardous substance and each hazardous mixture they place on the market. Importers must hold an English SDS for UK sales. Distributors and retailers must keep sheets available for staff and enforcement officers on request. If you rebottle, rebrand or private label a liquid you take on the duty to supply the correct sheet for your label.
When you need it
Keep SDS sets for PG, VG, nicotine solutions, every flavour concentrate that enters production and the finished e liquid. Keep sheets for cleaners and sanitisers used on site. Even if a finished product is not classified as hazardous many suppliers still provide an SDS so storage and transport are clear.
Why it matters
A good SDS reduces accidents, supports insurance, and feeds your COSHH risk assessments. It tells a first aider what to do in seconds and tells a firefighter what to avoid during a spill or small blaze. It proves to Trading Standards that you understand the product you sell.
What is on an MSDS
Every SDS follows a standard 16 section format.
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Identification. Product name, intended use, supplier details and an emergency number.
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Hazards identification. Signal word, pictograms, hazard and precaution statements.
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Composition. Ingredients with CAS numbers and typical ranges.
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First aid measures. Steps after inhalation, skin or eye contact or ingestion.
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Firefighting measures. Suitable extinguishers, specific hazards, advice for firefighters.
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Accidental release measures. Spill response, PPE and clean up method.
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Handling and storage. Ventilation, temperature limits and incompatible materials.
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Exposure controls and PPE. Workplace limits if any plus gloves, eyewear and ventilation.
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Physical and chemical properties. Appearance, odour, pH, viscosity, boiling point.
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Stability and reactivity. Conditions to avoid and incompatible substances.
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Toxicological information. Likely routes of exposure and symptoms.
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Ecological information. Persistence, bioaccumulation and aquatic toxicity.
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Disposal considerations. Safe disposal of liquids and packaging.
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Transport information. UN number if classified, proper shipping name, class and packing group.
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Regulatory information. Key rules and label obligations.
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Other information. Revision date, change history and abbreviations.
How to read one quickly
Scan sections 2, 4, 7 and 8 first. You will know the hazards, the first aid, the storage and the PPE in a minute. Add section 6 to set your spill plan then section 14 if you ship stock. Finish with section 16 to confirm the revision date so you are not following old advice.
Typical SDS notes for vape ingredients
PG is usually low hazard yet needs clean storage and spill control. VG behaves similarly but is thicker which affects clean up. Nicotine solutions are hazardous so you need gloves, eye protection and locked storage. Flavour concentrates vary. Some carry irritant or sensitiser warnings so the SDS guides ventilation and hygiene rules when mixing.
Storing and sharing SDS files
Keep a digital folder with version control and a printed binder in the mixing area and at reception. Train staff to find the right sheet fast. When a supplier updates a concentrate or you tweak a formula request the new SDS and retire the old one so teams do not follow the wrong instructions.
Align labels, website and SDS
Your bottle label, your website and your SDS should match. If a label says 70VG and the SDS says 60VG you will fail a due diligence check. If you market a cooling effect keep the coolant SDS on file and make sure staff avoid touching eyes after handling it.
What Trading Standards may ask
Officers can request SDS packs for PG, VG, nicotine shots, concentrates and finished e liquids. They may ask where you keep them, how you train staff and how SDS data feeds your COSHH assessment. Clear folders and signed training records keep the visit quick and calm.
Practical steps for shops and mixers
Create a one page receiving checklist that includes an SDS check. Add a tick box for SDS version on every batch sheet. Keep a small PPE station with gloves and eyewear plus a laminated first aid summary from section 4. Add an SDS quick link on staff desktops so nobody has to hunt for files.
For adult vapers looking for value
If you are 18 or over and want larger bottles that deliver value while you store and handle them correctly, browse our full 100ml vape juice collection with flavours suited to everyday use.
Learn more about UK rules
For the bigger picture on compliance, including TPD limits, age of sale, the 2026 vape duty and safety documentation, visit our Vape Regulations and Law hub which pulls all our guidance into one place.
Final thoughts
MSDS or SDS sheets are not just paperwork. They are the safety manual for every bottle and every batch. Keep sheets current, train people to use them and align labels with the data. Do that well and compliance becomes routine rather than a scramble when someone asks to see your documents.
For the full document structure and emergency sections, visit our guide on what is on msds sheets. For vaping-specific use cases, storage and COSHH links, read what is a msds data sheet.