What is an MSDS? A Must-Have for International Shipping from South Africa
Shipping supplements, cosmetics, oils, or anything with chemical ingredients? Then you’ve likely come across the term MSDS. Here's what it means, and why it matters for South African businesses exporting globally.
MSDS stands for Material Safety Data Sheet (also called an SDS – Safety Data Sheet). It's a key document that outlines:
Chemical composition and ingredients
Potential health, fire, or environmental hazards
Storage and handling precautions
First-aid and emergency instructions
Proper disposal methods
Transportation classifications (UN number, hazard class, packing group)
Think of it as a passport for your product - it tells couriers and customs what’s inside and how to handle it safely.
When you’re shipping overseas with couriers like TUNL Economy, FedEx, or UPS, they use your MSDS to decide if the product is considered Dangerous Goods (DG). Without one, your parcel might get flagged, delayed, or rejected.
An MSDS helps ensure:
Proper packaging and labelling
No surprises at customs (or unnecessary delays)
Safe transit by air, land, or sea
Compliance with international safety regulations
Protection for courier staff and other parcels in transit
Whether you're exporting from Joburg or Cape Town, skipping the MSDS step could derail your entire delivery.
🧴 Cosmetic Products
Essential oils (lavender, citrus, tea tree)
Fragrances and colognes
Hair sprays or facial mists
Nail polish or acetone-based removers
Serums or creams with retinol or acids
Herbal or protein powders
Vitamin tablets or capsules
Probiotics or enzyme-based blends
CBD products (if export is permitted)
Alcohol-based tinctures or solvents
Cleaning sprays or surface disinfectants
Diffuser liquids or room sprays
Hand sanitiser or isopropyl solutions
Scented candles with essential oils
Soaps or shampoos with active chemicals
🔍 Even if your product feels “harmless,” or is made with natural ingredients, the ingredients list might include flammable liquids, reactive agents, or volatile compounds—so double-check.
Here's how to source one:
From your manufacturer or supplier
If you're a white label or reseller, request it from the original producer
If you're the formulator, consult a qualified chemist or regulatory consultant to prepare one
It must be official and accurate - DIY summaries or guesses won’t cut it as this will cause delays and potential issues with your shipment.
If we’ve requested one for your shipment:
Get the official MSDS in PDF format
Email it to support@tunl.to
Our team will review it and advise whether the item is safe to ship or needs special handling
We’re here to help you avoid red flags and keep your exports moving.
These common compounds could classify your product as DG:
Ethanol or isopropyl alcohol
Hydrogen peroxide
Menthol or camphor
Limonene (found in citrus oils)
Compressed gases or pressurised sprays
Lithium (in devices or supplements)
If you’re unsure, ask your supplier to confirm or provide the MSDS directly.
If you’re exporting products from South Africa and want to stay compliant, fast, and frustration-free, we’re here to help.
📩 Email support@tunl.to and let’s sort it out together.
✅ Checking with TUNL is Always Worth It: If you’re unsure whether your MSDS is acceptable, it’s best to check in with the TUNL team first. We’ll liaise with the relevant courier to confirm if your product can be shipped and under what conditions.
⏳ Please note: This process may take time - sometimes up to a week - depending on the carrier and product type. We’ll keep you in the loop every step of the way, and we’ll do everything we can to keep your shipment on track.
💸 You’re Responsible If You Skip This Step: If you ship without checking in and your parcel is delayed, destroyed, or returned, you’ll be responsible for any costs or losses involved. Rather play it safe - send your MSDS to us before shipping.
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🧪 What is an MSDS?
MSDS stands for Material Safety Data Sheet (also called an SDS – Safety Data Sheet). It's a key document that outlines:
Chemical composition and ingredients
Potential health, fire, or environmental hazards
Storage and handling precautions
First-aid and emergency instructions
Proper disposal methods
Transportation classifications (UN number, hazard class, packing group)
Think of it as a passport for your product - it tells couriers and customs what’s inside and how to handle it safely.
✈️ Why South African Exporters Need an MSDS
When you’re shipping overseas with couriers like TUNL Economy, FedEx, or UPS, they use your MSDS to decide if the product is considered Dangerous Goods (DG). Without one, your parcel might get flagged, delayed, or rejected.
An MSDS helps ensure:
Proper packaging and labelling
No surprises at customs (or unnecessary delays)
Safe transit by air, land, or sea
Compliance with international safety regulations
Protection for courier staff and other parcels in transit
Whether you're exporting from Joburg or Cape Town, skipping the MSDS step could derail your entire delivery.
📦 Products That Typically Need an MSDS
🧴 Cosmetic Products
Essential oils (lavender, citrus, tea tree)
Fragrances and colognes
Hair sprays or facial mists
Nail polish or acetone-based removers
Serums or creams with retinol or acids
🟢 Ingestibles & Supplements
Herbal or protein powders
Vitamin tablets or capsules
Probiotics or enzyme-based blends
CBD products (if export is permitted)
Alcohol-based tinctures or solvents
🧼 Skincare & Household Items
Cleaning sprays or surface disinfectants
Diffuser liquids or room sprays
Hand sanitiser or isopropyl solutions
Scented candles with essential oils
Soaps or shampoos with active chemicals
🔍 Even if your product feels “harmless,” or is made with natural ingredients, the ingredients list might include flammable liquids, reactive agents, or volatile compounds—so double-check.
📝 Where to Get an MSDS
Here's how to source one:
From your manufacturer or supplier
If you're a white label or reseller, request it from the original producer
If you're the formulator, consult a qualified chemist or regulatory consultant to prepare one
It must be official and accurate - DIY summaries or guesses won’t cut it as this will cause delays and potential issues with your shipment.
📤 How to Submit an MSDS to TUNL
If we’ve requested one for your shipment:
Get the official MSDS in PDF format
Email it to support@tunl.to
Our team will review it and advise whether the item is safe to ship or needs special handling
We’re here to help you avoid red flags and keep your exports moving.
💡 Pro Tip: Watch for These “Red Flag” Ingredients
These common compounds could classify your product as DG:
Ethanol or isopropyl alcohol
Hydrogen peroxide
Menthol or camphor
Limonene (found in citrus oils)
Compressed gases or pressurised sprays
Lithium (in devices or supplements)
If you’re unsure, ask your supplier to confirm or provide the MSDS directly.
🤔 Still Unsure if You Need an MSDS?
If you’re exporting products from South Africa and want to stay compliant, fast, and frustration-free, we’re here to help.
📩 Email support@tunl.to and let’s sort it out together.
⚠️ Important Disclaimers
✅ Checking with TUNL is Always Worth It: If you’re unsure whether your MSDS is acceptable, it’s best to check in with the TUNL team first. We’ll liaise with the relevant courier to confirm if your product can be shipped and under what conditions.
⏳ Please note: This process may take time - sometimes up to a week - depending on the carrier and product type. We’ll keep you in the loop every step of the way, and we’ll do everything we can to keep your shipment on track.
💸 You’re Responsible If You Skip This Step: If you ship without checking in and your parcel is delayed, destroyed, or returned, you’ll be responsible for any costs or losses involved. Rather play it safe - send your MSDS to us before shipping.
Keywords: MSDS | Cosmetics | MSDS Documents | MSDS for Cosmetics | Cosmetic Shipping MSDS | Cosmetic Product Safety Sheet | MSDS for Supplements | Supplement | Shipping Guide | Ingestible Product MSDS | Material Safety Data Sheet | What is an MSDS | How to Get an MSDS | MSDS for International Shipping | Dangerous Goods MSDS | Export Compliance MSDS | MSDS Requirements for Exporting | South Africa MSDS Guide | MSDS for DHL Shipments | MSDS for CBD Products | Chemical Shipping | Documentation | Skincare MSDS Sheet | Do I Need an MSDS | MSDS for Small Business | How to Ship Regulated Products | Shipping Supplements from South Africa | MSDS for Global Shipping | Product Safety Sheet PDF | Customs Compliance South Africa | Shipping Dangerous Goods SA | Export Regulations for Cosmetics
Updated on: 11/06/2025
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