Confidential business information (CBI) generally refers to technical information on a product or its manufacturing process that has economic value and that is usually known only to the producer. General names used to hide component’s names are called Trade Secret Names (TSN).

The TSN are displayed in section 3 of the SDS and can be used to hide:

1. the chemical name of the ingredient,
2. the CAS registry number or any other unique identifier of the ingredient
3. the concentration or concentration range of the ingredient.

Syensqo's approach is to never use TSNs for components with OEL (Occupational Exposure Limits) or classified as CMR (Cancerogenic, Mutagenic or Reproductive toxicity).

*Process - does it requires to have an extra actions to use TSNs

Mexico

When some information related to the composition is omitted for industrial secret, it must be inserted an informative phrase of this condition as “industrial secret” , or “confidential information held” or “Confidential information”.

Important

Regulatory agency approval is not required.

Argentina, Brazil

When some information related to the composition is omitted for industrial secret, it must be inserted with an informative phrase of this condition as “industrial secret” , or “confidential information held” or “confidential information” .

Australia

Generic names may be used in an SDS if the identity of an ingredient is genuinely commercially confidential, and if:

• The ingredient is in any of the following health hazard categories:

• Acute toxicity - Category 4 (oral, dermal, inhalation);
• Aspiration hazard - Category 1;
• Serious eye damage/eye irritation - Category 2/2;
• Skin corrosion/irritation - Category 2;
• Specific target organ toxicity (single exposure) - Category 3.

• The ingredient does not cause the correct classification of the hazardous chemical to include any other hazard class or category, and an exposure standard for the ingredient has not been established

New Zealand

Generic names may be used in an SDS if the identity of an ingredient is commercially confidential, and if (1):

• (A) the ingredient causes the correct hazard classification of the hazardous substance to include any of the following hazard classifications:

(I) acute toxicity Category 4 (oral, dermal or inhalation):

(II) skin irritation Category 2:

(III) eye irritation Category 2:

(IV) specific target organ toxicity – single exposure Category 3:

(V) aspiration hazard Category 1; and

• (B) the ingredient does not cause the correct hazard classification of the hazardous substance to include any hazard classification other than those referred to in subparagraph (A); and
• (C) the identity of the ingredient is confidential information; and
• (D) a prescribed exposure standard (as defined in the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017) has not been established. 

China

The real name and CAS number of the component may be omitted depending on the specific circumstances of the need for confidentiality, but the associated hazards shall be included in the relevant section of the SDS

Malaysia

The CBI shall be consistent with the following general principles:

• For information otherwise required on labels or SDS, CBI claims shall be limited to the names of chemicals, their identifiers, and their concentrations in mixtures. All other information shall be disclosed on the label and/or SDS, as required;
• Where CBI has been withheld, the label or SDS shall so indicate; and
• CBI shall be disclosed to the Director-General of Occupational Safety and Health upon request. The confidentiality of the information received is protected under Section 67 of OSHA 1994.

Taiwan

It is possible to use TSN without requesting CBI claim if :

• Is hazardous for the environment and gives environmental classification for the whole product.

It is possible to use TSN if business has been submitted CBI claim to Taiwan authority:

1. Acute toxicity categories 4.
2. Skin corrosion/irritation category 2.
3. Serious eye damage/irritation category 2A.
4. Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure category 2.
5. Specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure category 2.
6. Aspiration toxicity cat 1

Withholding Safety Data Sheet content as confidential is prohibited if components are classified as:

• Acute toxicity categories 1, 2 or 3.
• Skin corrosion/irritation category 1.
• Serious eye damage/irritation category 1.
• Respiratory or skin sensitizer.
• Germ cell mutagenicity.
• Carcinogenicity.
• Toxic to reproduction.
• Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure category 1.
• Specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure category 1.

Vietnam

Organizations and individuals producing or importing chemicals have to send a classification and labeling of chemicals and materials related to the Chemicals Agency before 15 (fifteen) working days from the date of the chemical in use and circulation in the market. Information considered as confidential business, organization or individual must notify the Department of Chemical chemicals before putting into use, circulation in the market and to the implementation with other agencies as required.

Singapore

In section 3 information on chemical hazards must be provided.
Generic names may be used in an SDS if the identity of an ingredient is genuinely commercially confidential, and if:

• the ingredient is not any of the following health hazard categories:

• Or have PEL values as listed in the First Schedule of Workplace Safety and Health (General Provisions) list .

*This information is a summary of SS 586 : Part 3 regulation. Full text is available for charge only