Benzene Documents Explained: Reading a TDS, SDS and Batch CoA for IS 534 Refinery Grade

Summary. Three documents govern a benzene purchase. The technical data sheet (TDS) states the specification limits; the safety data sheet (SDS) states hazards, handling and transport; the batch Certificate of Analysis (CoA) states what that particular lot actually measured. The TDS limits are indicative; the batch CoA governs. Benzene is a Category 1A carcinogen, so read the SDS before the order, not after.

Benzene is bought against paperwork. Because it is a flammable liquid and a Category 1A carcinogen, a first order should never be placed on a product name alone. This guide walks through the three documents Supreme Petro Chemicals provides and what to ask before the first tanker arrives. We are a Chennai trader and bulk distributor; we supply benzene and do not manufacture it. Everything below about our benzene comes from our own data sheets, which you can download from the benzene product page.

What is the difference between a TDS, an SDS and a CoA?

Source: SPC benzene technical data sheet SPC-TDS-ARO-008, SPC benzene safety data sheet (current) and SPC's batch Certificate of Analysis practice.

How do I read the TDS rows?

The TDS for Refinery Grade benzene lists nine parameters. The limits are on the product page; this list adds how to read them. Explanations marked general knowledge are textbook chemistry, not SPC specifications.

• Appearance: clear, free from suspended matter.
• Benzene purity: 99.9 % mass minimum.
• Colour, Pt-Co: 20 maximum (general knowledge: on this scale a lower number means a less coloured liquid).
• Relative density at 15.56/15.56 °C: 0.882 to 0.886. The SDS quotes about 0.88 at 20 °C instead; these are different reference temperatures, not a discrepancy.
• Acid wash colour: pass with 2 (general knowledge: acid wash colour is a standard test related to impurity level).
• Total sulphur: 1.0 ppm maximum.
• Thiophene: 1.0 ppm maximum (general knowledge: thiophene is a sulphur compound, which is why it has its own line).
• Non-aromatics: 0.15 % mass maximum.
• Water content: no separated water.

Two cautions. First, these values are the limits of the governing standard, IS 534:2007 as printed on our TDS, and not a maker's certificate; the TDS says so in its specification-source line. Second, if your own contract names a different edition of IS 534, say so in the enquiry rather than assuming it matches, so it can be compared with the batch CoA.

Why does the batch CoA matter more than the TDS?

The TDS tells you the range a compliant lot must fall inside. The batch Certificate of Analysis tells you where this lot actually sits. The TDS is the promise; the CoA is the evidence. Before accepting a delivery, compare the CoA line by line with the TDS limits and with your own incoming-inspection limits, and keep the CoA with the lot record.

We supply a batch Certificate of Analysis with every benzene delivery. If your quality system needs a particular test method named, or additional parameters, raise it at quote stage, not at unloading.

What should I read in the SDS before ordering?

Benzene is classed as a flammable liquid (Cat. 2), aspiration hazard (Cat. 1), skin and eye irritant (Cat. 2), germ-cell mutagen (Cat. 1B), carcinogen (Cat. 1A) and a target-organ toxicant on repeated exposure (Cat. 1). The signal word is DANGER and the hazard statements are H225, H304, H315, H319, H340, H350 and H372. The SDS also cites IARC Group 1. Sections that matter most to a buyer:

1. Section 2, hazard identification. The classification above and the pictograms.
2. Section 4, first aid. Among other things, do not induce vomiting if swallowed, because of the aspiration hazard.
3. Section 7, handling and storage. Closed systems with grounding and bonding; the SDS recommends storing below 30 °C.
4. Section 8, exposure controls. We do not state an Indian occupational exposure limit; use the SDS section and your site safety rules.
5. Section 9, physical properties. Typical reference values: boiling point 80.1 °C, flash point -11 °C closed cup, auto-ignition 498 °C, flammable limits 1.2 to 7.8 %.
6. Section 10, stability and reactivity. Keep away from strong oxidisers, halogens and concentrated acids.
7. Section 14, transport. UN 1114, Class 3, Packing Group II, proper shipping name BENZENE, not a marine pollutant.
8. Section 15, regulatory. The SDS cites a Schedule I listing (carcinogen), the MSIHC Rules 1989 (as amended) and the Hazardous Waste Rules 2016, and states industrial use only.

Our SDS does not describe a ban on benzene, but it is not a full legal review. Licensing and fire-safety needs for your site depend on your quantity and local authority, so confirm them with your safety officer. We do not give site-specific legal advice.

What should I ask any benzene supplier before a first order?

• Which grade and which edition of the standard does the lot meet, and is it stated on the CoA?
• Is the grade industrial, and is it explicitly not food, pharma or laboratory grade?
• Who is the origin, and can the supplier say so plainly? Ours is Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL), Manali Refinery.
• Is the supplier a manufacturer or a trader? We are a trader and bulk distributor.
• What pack is offered? Ours is bulk road tanker; we do not list drum or IBC packs for benzene.
• Is the CoA batch-specific and supplied with the lot?
• Does the supplier give the HSN and UN number up front? Ours are HSN 2902 20 00 and UN 1114.

What about price and duty?

We do not print a price or a duty rate on the page. Chemical prices move with the market, so we do not publish a rate, and customs treatment should be confirmed for your consignment. Ask in the quote request.

How do I get the documents and a quote?

Download the TDS and SDS from the product page, then send the product, quantity in tonnes and delivery location. Call or WhatsApp +91 86087 80096; we quote within 4 working hours. If you are still choosing an aromatic, compare options in benzene vs toluene.

Checklist before the first tanker

• TDS read and parameters mapped to your incoming-inspection limits.
• SDS read by your safety officer; closed unloading system confirmed.
• IS 534 edition agreed in writing.
• Batch CoA received and compared with the TDS.
• Local licensing and storage rules confirmed with your authority.