What is a UFI, and where and when is it needed?
The EU Regulation on the classification, labelling and packaging of chemicals (CLP) has been updated. The updates introduce new information requirements and notification obligations for companies who manufacture, import into the EU, or mix products classified as health or physical hazards.
The EU Poison Centre Notification (PCN) obligation entered into force at the beginning of 2021. The notification provides national poison centres with up-to-date information on the properties and hazards of chemical mixtures. For this purpose, Unique Formula Identifier (UFI) codes have been introduced.
The UFI code is a unique compositional identifier introduced to identify mixtures classified as hazardous to health or based on physical effects. In cases of poisoning, the composition of the labelled mixtures can be unambiguously linked to the information needed to treat patients.
The 16-digit alphanumeric UFI code must be included on the warning label or clearly legible in its immediate vicinity. The code may be printed directly on the packaging of the mixture or affixed to a separate label, provided that the general rules on the use of the warning label, including clarity and durability, are complied with.
The author of the Poison Centre Notification can create the UFI code using the UFI Generator online tool on the ECHA (European Chemicals Agency) website. The UFI code is free of charge and has been made flexible to use. For example, a company may use the same UFI code in the supply chain, as long as the composition of the mixture remains unchanged, or generate multiple UFI codes for the same product.
The deadline for the notification of a dangerous mixture depends on the end user of the product.
Consumer goods and products for professional use
Information on mixtures sold for consumer and professional use must be provided and the UFI code added to the warning labels from 1 January 2021.
Products for industrial use
Information on mixtures sold for industrial use must be provided and the UFI code included on warning labels from 1 January 2024.
If a company has submitted a national chemicals notification for a product on the market before the above-mentioned dates of application, there will be a transitional period until 1 January 2025 for notification under the new information requirements.
At Algol Chemicals, we are making Poison Centre Notifications during the transition period and reporting UFI codes in the supply chain as they become available. UFI codes are already included in some safety data sheets and labels.
If you need more information about the requirements for your company’s products, please contact your sales representative or the experts in our HSEQ department.
