UFI - what you need to know
The UFI (Unique Formula Identifier) is a mandatory element of the label for chemical products containing mixtures classified as hazardous based on their physical or health effects. Its main purpose is to enable poison control centers to quickly and accurately identify the composition of a given mixture in an emergency.
What is the UFI and what are the obligations associated with it?
The UFI is a unique 16-character alphanumeric code assigned to a specific chemical mixture. Example of a correct UFI:
UFI: YV9C-R5V3-3C72-XXXX.
The code is generated using a special generator available on the ECHA (European Chemicals Agency) website, using the company's VAT number and the internal formula code of the mixture (Article 45 and Annex VIII of the CLP Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008).
The UFI is mandatory if the mixture is classified as hazardous to human health, the environment or due to its physicochemical properties (e.g. flammable, corrosive, toxic). This obligation applies to mixtures intended for both consumers and professional or industrial users.
The implementation deadlines varied depending on the use:
- Consumer: from 1st January 2020
- Professional: from 1st January 2021
- Industrial: from 1st January 2024.
Where and when is the UFI reported?
The UFI is reported by importers and downstream users to the relevant national authorities via the PCN portal (Poison Centres Notification portal), which handles notifications at the European level. In Poland, the competent authority for receiving these notifications is the Chemicals Office in Łódź. Assigning a UFI is free of charge. It can be done collectively in a "group notification" after meeting the appropriate requirements.
The UFI is reported in the following cases:
1. Placing a mixture on the market
If a mixture posing a hazard is placed on the market in a given Member State, a notification containing the UFI must be submitted before the product is placed on the market. This applies to manufacturers, importers and downstream users (e.g. those packaging mixtures under their own brand).
2. Change in the composition of the mixture
If the composition of the mixture changes in a way that affects the toxicity, classification, concentrations of essential ingredients or their identification, you must:
- create a new UFI code,
- submit a new notification with current information,
- update the packaging labelling.
3. Change of formula identifier (UFI)
If for any reason the UFI itself changes (e.g. the owner of the VAT number or the formula number changes), a new notification must also be made.
Where is the UFI placed?
The UFI must be placed on the product label, in a visible place, independently of the other information required by CLP. It can also be printed on the packaging or provided in the safety data sheet if the product is supplied without a label (e.g. in bulk). The code must be preceded by the phrase "UFI:" - without translation or abbreviation.
The UFI should be legible, permanent and easily visible - preferably near the section containing hazard information, but does not have to be placed directly next to the CLP pictograms. It is important that the consumer or user has easy access to this number in the event of an accident.
From 1 January 2025, the transitional period for hazardous mixtures that were already placed on the market before above-mentioned terms. If the manufacturer has not yet submitted a PCN notification, they will have to:
• submit a new notification in accordance with Annex VIII to CLP,
• place the UFI number on the label or packaging,
• ensure consistency between the UFI number and the composition of the mixture included in the notification.
Who can check the composition of a mixture based on the UFI?
The UFI code does not reveal the composition of the mixture to third parties. However, it allows for rapid identification of the composition by authorized entities - such as poison centers, doctors, emergency services and supervisory authorities (e.g. sanitary inspection). Only these entities have access to detailed data from the PCN portal based on the manufacturer's notification.
Need help with the UFI notification?
Submitting a UFI code can be time-consuming and requires a good knowledge of the regulations and the PCN system. PICTOPLAN takes care of the complete preparation and submission of UFI notifications in accordance with applicable law. If you want to be sure that your product meets all the requirements - contact us and we will take care of the rest.
Ostatnie wpisy
Oliwia Chłopek
Lawyer, biocidal products specialsts, dangerous goods safety advisor (DGSA)
Copyright: © Oliwia Chłopek 2025
tel. +48 792 805 800
email: biuro@pictoplan.com.pl
Oliwia Chłopek