TDS, COA and MSDS/SDS, What's the difference?

Technical Data Sheet (TDS) vs. Certificate of Analysis (COA) vs. MSDS/SDS

These documents serve different purposes in industries such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food, and manufacturing. Here’s a breakdown of their key differences:

1. Purpose

· TDS: Provides technical and physical specifications of a product, helping users understand its properties, applications, and handling.

· COA: Confirms that a specific batch of a product meets defined quality standards through lab testing.

· MSDS/SDS: Focuses on safety and hazards, detailing how to handle, store, and dispose of a substance safely.

2. Content

3. Issuing Authority

· TDS: Prepared by the manufacturer or supplier to promote product understanding.

· COA: Issued by a quality control lab after testing a specific batch.

· MSDS/SDS: Provided by the manufacturer (often required by law under OSHA/GHS regulations).

4. Timing

· TDS: Available before or at the time of purchase (general product info).

· COA: Generated after production & testing of a batch (batch-specific).

· MSDS/SDS: Must be provided before handling or shipping hazardous materials.

5. Use in Quality Assurance & Safety

· TDS: Helps in product selection & application but doesn’t guarantee batch quality.

· COA: Critical for QA/QC, ensuring a batch meets regulatory & customer specs.

· MSDS/SDS: Essential for workplace safety, regulatory compliance, and emergency response.