Direct answer
A Technical Data Sheet, or TDS, is a product-focused document used to understand appearance, recommended use, application guidance, storage, shelf life, packaging, handling, and technical notes. It differs from a COA because it is not usually batch-specific, and from an SDS because it is not primarily a safety document.
Key takeaways
- Use the TDS to plan trials and production handling.
- Use the COA for batch-related review.
- Use the SDS for safety and handling review.
Typical TDS fields
- Product name and description
- Appearance or physical form
- Recommended use or application notes
- Storage conditions
- Shelf-life information
- Packaging information
- Handling or technical notes
How technical teams use a TDS
Technical teams use a TDS to plan bench trials, check handling constraints, brief production, compare product formats, and identify which further documents are needed.
How it differs from COA and SDS
| Document | Focus |
|---|---|
| TDS | Product properties and use guidance |
| COA | Batch or lot quality information |
| SDS | Safety, storage, and handling information |
Related guides
Related guides
COAWhat a COA is, what it typically contains, why buyers request it, and how it differs from a TDS or SDS.SDSWhat an SDS is used for, what information it may contain, and why importers, distributors, warehouses, and production teams request it.Storage and handlingStorage, resealing, contamination prevention, temperature exposure, shelf-life checks, FIFO, batch labels, and production handling for bakery emulsions.DeclarationsHow allergen declarations, ingredient declarations, suitability statements, and compliance declarations support product and market review.
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Related product categories
Sources and references
- Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 on the provision of food information to consumers EUR-Lex 2011-10-25 2026-06-26URL: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2011/1169/oj/engGeneral EU food information and allergen-labelling context.
- Sly Commerce catalogue category data Sly Commerce 2026-06-26URL: https://slycommerce.com/productsLive product-family and category-routing context only; not product-specific suitability claims.