What is a Chemical Assessment Expert (KDU)? When is it mandatory?

Chemical Evaluation Expert (KDU) is a certified person who is authorized to perform certain procedures within the scope of KKDIK Regulation. Authority belongs to the individual, not the company — this distinction is the point most misunderstood in practice.

What does KDU do?

KDU's responsibility is to accurately evaluate the harmfulness of the chemical and document it in accordance with the legislation. Main works:

• Preparing or approving the safety data sheet. In Turkey, SDS must be issued by KDU.
• Making hazard classification. Calculating the class of the mixture according to the CLP Regulation and deriving the label elements.
• Technical evaluation in KKDIK registration files. Requirements according to substance identity, data adequacy, tonnage band.
• Chemical safety assessment and report. Creating exposure scenarios when necessary.

When is KDU mandatory?

Required for certain outputs, but not for every chemical process:

• Safety data sheet — prepared or approved by a KDU.
• KKDIK registration file — KDU evaluation is sought in certain sections of the technical file.
• Chemical safety report — preparation requires KDU authorization.

On the other hand, opening an e-ÇBS record, defining a facility or reporting waste does not require KDU. For details, see e-ÇBS registration steps.

Is the authority in the person or in the company?

In person. This has three practical consequences:

• If your KDU staff leaves the company, the company's authority goes with it. The documents it prepares remain valid, but you cannot produce new documents.
• The statement “Our company is KDU certified” is technically incorrect; He is a documented employee.
• When outsourcing, it is not enough to have the contract with the company — it must be known who the KDU is who will sign the document.

How to obtain KDU certificate?

The certificate is obtained upon completion of the relevant training and examination process. Candidates are expected to graduate from certain departments and demonstrate proficiency in topics such as legislation, classification, toxicology and ecotoxicology. The document has an expiration date and must be renewed.

The decision point for your company is this: If your number of products is low, it is almost always more economical to get external KDU service than to certify personnel. In large and frequently changing portfolios, it may be meaningful to establish internal capacity.

Is there an equivalent on the REACH side?

EU REACH does not require a qualification directly equivalent to KDU. People preparing dossiers are often called REACH specialists, but this is not an official professional title. KDU is a Türkiye-specific, mandatory qualification. For comparison, see What is REACH? EU REACH registration services.

Frequently asked questions

What does a chemical evaluation specialist do?

Conducts hazard assessment of chemicals, prepares or approves safety data sheets, classifies according to CLP and undertakes technical evaluation in KKDIK registration files.

Is the KDU certificate given to a company or an individual?

It is given to the person. The company does not have a "KDU certificate"; The company employs KDU certified employees or outsources services.

Can I prepare the safety data sheet without KDU?

No. In Turkey, the safety data sheet must be prepared or approved by an authorized KDU; Otherwise, the document may be deemed invalid during audit.

KDU certificate expires, what happens?

That person cannot perform authorized transactions until the document is renewed. Renewal must be planned before expiration; Otherwise, document production stops.

Related pages

• Safety Data Sheet (SDS/SDS) Preparation
• What is MSDS Document? How to Buy?
• Chemical Safety Report (KGR/CSR)
• SEA / CLP Classification
• KKDIK Consulting Services
• KKDIK Glossary of Terms

If you need KDU service or are not sure whether your existing documents have been issued by an authorized person, contact ONAY Mühendislik.