e-SDS is an Extended Safety Data Sheet, a REACH upgrade to a standardised document for communicating safety information throughout the supply chain. According to REACH, an e-SDS is compliant with the regulation, both in content and format. When required ,it will contain annexed exposure scenarios, for identified uses of the chemical product. All manufacturers, importers, downstream users and distributors supplying classified substances or mixtures are required to compile and/or supply a safety data sheet on the first delivery of the chemical product. The recipient further down the supply chain can be another downstream user or a distributor.

Safety data sheets contain information for downstream users on the hazards of the substance and its preparations, as well as information on the recommended management measures to adequately control any risks to human health and the environment. The 16 standard headings, as specified in detail by REACH Annex II, will have to be used. In addition, for all those substances for which a chemical safety assessment (CSA) is required, the information in the SDS must be consistent with the CSA, and relevant exposure scenarios for the recipient must be annexed to the SDS.

The existing means of communicating chemical hazards in the supply chain, namely a safety data sheet, will be revised - both in content and in format - as an extended Safety Data Sheet by the REACH Regulation. It will contain exposure scenarios for each identified use of the chemical product. Not all aspects regarding the implementation of the e-SDS have been defined as of yet, and ongoing projects may bring about practical implications.