MSDS Certificate for Batteries - Fee, Process, Documents

The list of documents required for MSDS certificate of Battery is mention below:

Battery MSDS is Mandatory because of Thermal Runaway Risk in Lithium Batteries:

• Fire Risk and Safety Criticality of Lithium Batteries: Lithium batteries are hazardous because of their capability of developing thermal runaway, which is an uncontrollable self-heating process leading to explosions or fires. The phenomenon is caused by overcharging, internal short circuiting, mechanical damage, and/or exposure to high temperatures.
• Emergency Response Guidance in MSDS: MSDS provides essential information necessary for dealing with emergencies particularly in Section 5 (Firefighting Measures) and Section 10 (Stability and Reactivity). The information shows that water should not be used to suppress any flames resulting from lithium battery fires and recommends dry powder or CO2 extinguisher as a means of controlling such fires. This information plays an important role in ensuring proper hazard communication and reducing severity of accidents.

As per UN regulations, every packaging of hazardous products or products made by chemicals/hazardous materials should ensure UN MARK IIP Certificate before exporting to UN member countries.

When reviewing an MSDS for batteries, the following key compliance checks are generally required:

• The SDS certificate should be valid for 3 years from the date of issuance
• All 16 sections, except "Other Information." must be completed as per the GHS guidelines
• Sections 2 and 3, Hazards Identification and Composition respectively, must reflect 100% of product composition.
• Section 14 must include the UN Number and Hazard Classification wherever applicable for transportation
• The manufacturer mentioned in the MSDS must match the details in the transportation appraisal or supporting documentation, or the relationship must be clearly justified

Technical Data Sheet or TDS highlights performance characteristics such as capacity, voltage, cycle life, discharge rate, physical dimensions, and operation specifications. On the other hand, MSDS for Battery (Material Safety Data Sheet) deals with safety aspects like hazardous ingredients, fire and explosion hazards, first aid measures, and transportation classes.

Both documents serve different purposes and are often required together by international buyers for compliance and procurement evaluation. In many cases, buyers requesting a TDS from Chinese or international suppliers should also separately request the MSDS to ensure both technical performance and safety compliance documentation are available, especially for e-commerce platforms like Amazon where MSDS requirements are strictly enforced.

Battery Categories Covered Under MSDS Preparation are:

• Lithium-Ion Batteries (UN3480 / UN3481): Rechargeable batteries used in electronics and energy storage systems. Lithium-ion batteries are considered dangerous goods in the Class 9 category because of fire hazards, thermal runaway, and explosive potential.
• Lithium Metal Batteries (UN3090 / UN3091): These are non-rechargeable high-energy batteries with strict transport regulations. They are classified as hazardous goods due to flammability and short-circuit risk during shipment.
• Lithium Polymer Batteries: A sub-category of lithium-ion batteries with a gel or polymer electrolyte. Needs an MSDS due to similar thermal instability and fire hazard characteristics.
• Lead-Acid Batteries (UN2800 / UN2794): Includes sealed (UN2800) and flooded or wet (UN2794) variants. Corrosive acid and heavy metal content makes strict safety, handling and spillage control procedures mandatory.
• Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) Batteries: Rechargeable batteries with moderate hazard profile. MSDS required for safe handling, transport documentation, and recycling compliance.
• Alkaline Batteries: Generally considered non-hazardous when transported under ordinary conditions. MSDS may, however, be required for large scale shipments.
• Button / Coin Cell Batteries: Small-sized batteries used in electronics and medical devices. MSDS required due to ingestion risk, leakage potential, and presence of lithium or other reactive materials.

Effective from 1 January 2026, IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) require standalone lithium-ion batteries transported by air freight to be shipped at not more than 30% State of Charge (SoC), unless packed with equipment. Therefore, battery rated capacity, watt-hour details, and applicable SoC limitations may also be required during MSDS preparation for air freight compliance, especially for power banks, EV battery packs, and laptop batteries exported from India.

For sea transportation, batteries are governed by the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) regulations. MSDS Section 14 must include transport-related information such as UN number, IMDG hazard classification, packing group, and marine pollutant status wherever applicable.

Additional requirements related to package and quantity limitations apply to lithium batteries during ocean transport, particularly when shipped on passenger vessels. Compliance with IMDG requirements ensures safe transportation and customs acceptance for international shipments.

An MSDS/SDS certificate is generally valid for 3 years from the date of issuance, and it must be renewed every 3 years. However, any changes must be updated within 90 days. An updated SDS certificate helps avoid customs delays, as authorities often consider certificates that are not older than 3–5 years.

MSDS Certificate must be updated when:

• Battery chemistry or composition changes
• New safety data (thermal runaway incidents, new test data) becomes available
• IATA DGR is updated (annual edition) with new battery transport requirements
• Export is initiated to a new market with distinct regulatory compliance requirements and documentation standards

Batteries such as lithium ion batteries are made from various chemical compositions and materials. Therefore getting an MSDS certificate for such shipment is required to ensure safe handling.

The following information on the MSDS certificate is prepared on 16 parameters per the global standard established by various international organisations, such as the EU and OSHA guidelines.