MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet): A Crucial Requirement for Selling on Amazon, eBay, Walmart & Noon

In the world of global e-commerce, selling across international marketplaces isn’t just about pricing and shipping—it’s about compliance. Whether you sell skincare, supplements, cleaning agents, or battery-powered electronics, one document that is frequently required is the MSDS – Material Safety Data Sheet.

This blog will guide you on what MSDS is, why it is important, and how it applies specifically to international marketplaces like Amazon (US, UK, UAE), eBay, Noon, and Walmart.

What is an MSDS?

An MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) or SDS (Safety Data Sheet) is a detailed document that provides information about a product’s:

• Chemical composition

• Potential hazards (fire, health, reactivity)

• Safe handling, storage, and disposal instructions

• First-aid and emergency measures

• Regulatory compliance information (e.g., GHS classification)
  

An MSDS ensures safety for shippers, warehouse staff, customs officers, and customers.

Why MSDS is Crucial for Global E-Commerce

If you're selling internationally, your products travel through air freight, customs clearance, and third-party warehouses. MSDS is often mandatory for:

• Export/Import Compliance

• Dangerous Goods Classification

• FBA International Shipments

• Hazardous Product Approval
  

Let’s explore how MSDS is needed in major international marketplaces:

Amazon (US, UK, UAE, Global Selling)

Amazon is highly strict when it comes to hazardous goods (hazmat). MSDS is mandatory in the following cases:

• FBA Shipments containing liquids, sprays, supplements, or battery-operated products

• Products flagged for Dangerous Goods Review

• New product listings in restricted or sensitive categories
  

If your product falls under flammable, corrosive, toxic, or reactive categories, you must upload an MSDS through Amazon Seller Central > Manage Dangerous Goods Classification.

Example: If you're selling Ayurvedic pain oil or vitamin C serum, Amazon US may request MSDS before allowing you to ship via FBA.

eBay (US, UK, Global)

eBay sellers shipping chemicals, oils, supplements, or electronic items must ensure the listing complies with local and international transport laws.

• Lithium battery items (e.g., smartwatches, trimmers) require MSDS

• For cross-border listings, MSDS is often needed for international shipping

• eBay Global Shipping Program might ask for compliance docs before forwarding your item
  

Noon (UAE, KSA, Egypt)

Noon’s marketplace is rapidly expanding in the Middle East. For local fulfillment and shipping, Noon requires MSDS for:

• Cosmetic & beauty products

• Fragrance oils, serums

• Herbal supplements

• Cleaning products

• Battery-powered electronics

Important: Without MSDS, your product can be delisted, or warehouse intake may be blocked.

You must provide Arabic and English MSDS versions, especially for UAE and Saudi customs clearance.

Walmart (US, Canada, Mexico)

Walmart Marketplace sellers are expected to provide MSDS if they’re listing:

• Beauty products

• Essential oils

• Cleaning liquids

• Vitamins or supplements

• Products with lithium-ion batteries

Walmart performs product compliance audits, and not submitting MSDS can result in:

• Listing removal

• Account suspension

• Fines for non-compliance

For Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS), MSDS is compulsory before inventory intake for any potentially hazardous item.

MSDS & International Shipping

Air cargo and international couriers like FedEx, UPS, DHL, Aramex require MSDS to ship items with:

• Oils & liquids

• Powders

• Flammable content

• Batteries or electronics

Failing to provide an MSDS may cause shipment delays, customs seizures, or penalties.

How to Get an MSDS?

You can obtain or create an MSDS in the following ways:

🔹 Option 1: Ask the Manufacturer

If you are reselling third-party products, ask the brand for their original MSDS.

🔹 Option 2: Hire Compliance Experts

Get your product tested and a professional MSDS created by a certification agency. Prices range from $20–$100 per sheet depending on product complexity.

🔹 Option 3: Self-Create (Advanced)

If you manufacture your own product and know the formulation, you can generate an MSDS using GHS-compliant templates, but it must be formatted professionally.

MSDS vs SDS – What’s the Difference?

• MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet): Old format, still used interchangeably

• SDS (Safety Data Sheet): Updated format as per GHS (Globally Harmonized System)

For international compliance, SDS is the preferred format.

Tips for International Sellers

• Always upload MSDS in the compliance/document section of each marketplace.

• Renew your MSDS if you change your formulation or packaging.

• Keep both PDF and printed copies for customs and logistics teams.

• If shipping through FBA, make sure to submit MSDS in advance.

• Work with certified labs for high-risk or regulated items.
  

Conclusion

Whether you’re a small seller or an established exporter, MSDS is non-negotiable if you’re serious about growing your international e-commerce business. It ensures safety, builds trust, and prevents disruptions in shipping and listing operations. Platforms like Amazon, Noon, Walmart, and eBay are enforcing stricter rules, making compliance more important than ever.