Reference data from EU CLP Annex VI and published regulations — verify against your supplier's SDS before use.
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Safety data sheet reference · CAS 50-00-0

Formaldehyde SDS

also: formaldehyde MSDS · safety data sheet · HCHO · CAS 50-00-0 · EC 200-001-8 · formalin · methanal

Danger Carc. 1 · Muta. 2 · Category 1–2 · +3
Corrosion GHS05 Skull and Crossbones GHS06 Health Hazard GHS08

Official PDF from supplier

This page is a reference, not the legal document.

CAS number

50-00-0

EC number

200-001-8

CLP Annex VI index

605-001-00-5

Molecular formula

CH2O

Molar mass

30.026 g/mol

§ 02 · Hazards identification

Harmonised EU classification

CLP Annex VI · Index 605-001-00-5. A supplier SDS may add self-classified hazards — this is the legal minimum.

Concentration / form dependent — CLP Note B

Formaldehyde is placed on the market in different concentrations or forms whose classification can differ. This page shows the harmonised Annex VI entry for the substance as such — always match the supplier's SDS to the concentration and form you actually use.

H302 Harmful if swallowed. Acute toxicity, oral — Category 4 (Acute Tox. 4)
H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. Skin corrosion — Category 1 (Skin Corr. 1)
H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction. Skin sensitiser — Category 1 (Skin Sens. 1)
H330 Fatal if inhaled. Acute toxicity, inhalation — Category 1–2
H341 Suspected of causing genetic defects. Germ cell mutagenicity — Category 2 (Muta. 2)
H350 May cause cancer. Carcinogenicity — Category 1 (Carc. 1)

Precautionary statements

P201 Obtain special instructions before use.
P260 Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
P270 Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
P271 Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
P272 Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace.
P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection.
P301 IF SWALLOWED: call a POISON CENTER or doctor if you feel unwell.
P304 IF INHALED: remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
P308 IF exposed or concerned: get medical advice/attention.
P310 Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor.
P312 Call a POISON CENTER or doctor if you feel unwell.
P313 Get medical advice/attention.
P330 Rinse mouth.
P331 Do NOT induce vomiting.
P333 If skin irritation or rash occurs: get medical advice/attention.

§ 07 · Handling and storage

Computed storage verdict

§ 09 · Physical and chemical properties

Measured properties

Fire-relevant values first — flash point and explosion limits decide the storage and ventilation regime.

Explosion limits

7 – 73 %

LEL / UEL in air, vol.

Melting point -92.2 °C
Boiling point -21.1 °C

Source: CAMEO Chemicals (NOAA, public domain); per-value source references stored in the database.

§ 10 · Stability and reactivity

Reactive group (CAMEO/NOAA): Aldehydes, Polymerizable Compounds, Water and Aqueous Solutions. Our database documents 71 incompatible and 76 caution reaction-partner groups for formaldehyde — including which combinations release gas on contact. See the per-partner breakdown with gas release →

71

Incompatible

76

Caution

§ 13 · Disposal considerations

Dispose of waste and residues in accordance with local and national regulations — in the EU under the Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC. Never discharge to drains or municipal waste; hand contaminated packaging and unused product to an authorised waste-disposal company. The supplier's SDS section 13 lists the applicable waste codes for the specific product.

§ 14 · Transport information

Road transport — ADR 2025

UN number

UN 1198

Proper shipping name

FORMALDEHYDE SOLUTION, FLAMMABLE

Class · PG

3 · III

Classification code

FC

Transport category

3

ADR labels

3, 8

Hazard ID (Kemler) / UN plate

38
1198

Top: hazard identification number (Kemler). Bottom: UN number — as carried on the orange plate of the transport unit.

UN number

UN 2209

Proper shipping name

FORMALDEHYDE SOLUTION with not less than 25 % formaldehyde

Class · PG

8 · III

Classification code

C9

Transport category

3

ADR labels

8

Hazard ID (Kemler) / UN plate

80
2209

Top: hazard identification number (Kemler). Bottom: UN number — as carried on the orange plate of the transport unit.

Source: UN ADR 2025 (ECE/TRANS/352), Table A. Road (ADR) only — for sea (IMDG) and air (IATA), consult the supplier's SDS §14.

MSDS vs SDS

MSDS vs SDS: is there a difference?

MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) is the older name for the same document. In the US, OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (2012) adopted the GHS-standardised 16-section Safety Data Sheet; in the EU the format is set by REACH Annex II. So a "formaldehyde MSDS" and a "formaldehyde SDS" refer to the same document — today it is issued as an SDS. Full breakdown of the differences →

Other acute toxics in our database

Compliance hub

From classification to SDS

The classification above corresponds to Section 2 of a Safety Data Sheet. Learn how a compliant 16-section SDS is structured and authored →

GHS label maker

Build the label for formaldehyde

Pictograms, signal word and H-statements combined into a compliant label layout →

§ 16 · Sources

Reference aid only. This page summarises the harmonised EU classification and computed storage guidance — it is not a Safety Data Sheet and does not replace one. Always verify hazards, handling and storage against the supplier's SDS (sections 7 and 10) and local regulations before use. Page updated 2026-07-27.

Frequently asked questions

Is an MSDS the same as an SDS?

In practice, yes. MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) is the older name for the same document. In the US, OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (2012) adopted the GHS-standardised 16-section Safety Data Sheet; in the EU the SDS format is set by REACH Annex II. A document you find labelled "formaldehyde MSDS" is today issued as an SDS.

What GHS pictograms does formaldehyde require?

Under the harmonised EU classification (CLP Annex VI), formaldehyde carries GHS05 and GHS06 and GHS08 with the signal word "Danger". Hazard statements: H350, H341, H330, H302, H314, H317. A supplier's SDS may add self-classified hazards on top of this harmonised minimum.

Where can I download an official formaldehyde SDS PDF?

From your own supplier — an SDS is issued per product and supplier, so the correct PDF for an inspection is the one matching the product you actually purchased. The supplier links on this page lead to the official SDS libraries of major distributors.

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