Malta is a member of the European Union and as such is bound by EU regulations. Malta must comply with Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 (REACH) and Regulation (EU) 2020/878, which establishes the latest SDS format and content requirements. The classification and labeling of substances and mixtures must adhere to the CLP Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008, including its latest amendments, such as Regulation (EU) 2023/707.

Malta is fully compliant with EU chemical regulations, however there are additional “General Binding rules” (GBR’s) that govern small to medium sized businesses operating in Malta as well as required permits for larger enterprises. These regulations are in regard to protecting the environment from chemical substances, and may be important to those seeking to do business in Malta, for more information regarding GBR’s, legislation and other policies please refer to the Malta Environment and Planning Authority.

Malta implements the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) through the EU REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 and the CLP Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, both of which are directly applicable in all EU member states. As of January 1, 2023, Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) in Malta must comply with Commission Regulation (EU) 2020/878, which sets the latest formatting and content requirements, aligning with the 6th and 7th revisions of GHS. Companies must ensure SDSs meet EU 2020/878 requirements, including updated hazard classification, the inclusion of Unique Formula Identifiers (UFI) for mixtures, and nanomaterial disclosures where applicable.

It is relatively straightforward to have a single SDS for use among the countries of the European Union and European Free Trade Association, so long as it is in the necessary languages. Countries other than Malta in the EU and EFTA where Maltese or English is an official language include Ireland and the United Kingdom. Having a single document for use in the United States and the European Union should be avoided due to significant differences between the two systems.