Based upon newly developed scientific data and evaluations from competent authorities, countries often revise their legislations on hazard classification and labeling criteria, SDS format and content, occupational exposure limit (OEL) values, or special control rules and measures, etc., for certain chemicals. Therefore, manufacturers, importers, or relevant actors in the supply chain should check and update their SDS to guarantee that the latest SDS version well aligns with the current legislation of the destination markets. This compliance would help to smooth the movement of the chemicals into and inside the country.

In the EU, for example, the list of harmonized classification and labeling of hazardous substances is normally updated yearly by the European Commission following opinions from the Committee for Risk Assessment. Likewise, the candidate list of substances of very high concern (SVHC) for authorization is also regularly revised based on the proposal of the Member States or the European Chemicals Agency, with the purpose of gradually replacing highly concerned chemicals with less hazardous substances or technologies when it is plausible. SDSs of substances that fall into those lists should, therefore, be updated accordingly.

Under certain regulations, SDS revision is a legal obligation. For instance, Article 31 (9) of REACH lists specific occasions where SDS is required to be updated and reissued. Furthermore, it is compulsory to provide the updated SDS to every recipient in the supply chain to whom the substance or mixture has been supplied within the preceding 12 months.

Conditions in which suppliers are obligated to update SDS in accordance to Article 31 (9) of REACH:
(a) as soon as new information which may affect the risk management measures, or new information on hazards becomes available;
(b) once an authorisation has been granted or refused;
(c) once a restriction has been imposed.