The documents that need to be provided, namely the SDS and Test UN38.3 (if your products have batteries) need to be in the language of the country from where you are shipping your goods. If your fulfillment center is in Paris, these documents should be in French as an example.
Please keep the next points in mind regarding the language of the document:
- Is a translation into the language of the country where the products are distributed sufficient?
Yes.
The REACH Regulation establishes that the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) must be available in the official language of the country where the product is marketed or distributed.
Legal basis: Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 (REACH), Article 31(5):
“The safety data sheet shall be supplied in an official language of the Member State(s) where the substance or mixture is placed on the market.” - What type of entity must perform the translation? Does it have to be certified?
It is not mandatory for the translation to be legally certified, but it must be accurate and technical, because:
The SDS contains critical health, safety, and environmental information.
Errors can result in legal liability in case of an accident or inspection.
Therefore:
It should be translated by someone with technical knowledge in the chemical sector, ideally with experience in SDS content.
Many companies hire specialized technical translators or regulatory compliance consultancies (chemical compliance).
A sworn or certified translator is not required, unless explicitly demanded by a country (rare, but possible in certain legal contexts). - Which legal provision states that a translation is sufficient, and what kind of translation is required?
As mentioned above, the legal basis is:
REACH Article 31(5) for the language requirement.
There is no article that states the translation must be certified. What matters is that it is correct and clear, in accordance with the criteria set out in Annex II of REACH (SDS content requirements) and the CLP Regulation.