What is the UFI code and when is it required?

The UFI code is a mandatory element for the identification of hazardous chemical mixtures placed on the market in the European Union. Its use is regulated by the CLP Regulation, and the purpose is to provide faster medical assistance in the event of poisoning.

What is the UFI code

![🔎]The UFI code (Unique Formula Identifier) is a special code consisting of 16 characters (an alphanumeric code), arranged in four blocks separated by hyphens, e.g.,UFI: E4GV-R56A-QJ3V-C2F6.

Functions of the UFI code:

✅ allows for the unambiguous identification of a mixture,

✅ is assigned to a specific chemical composition,

✅ enables poison centres to quickly determine which mixture they are dealing with.

What does this mean in practice?

In an emergency situation, a doctor can immediately check the full chemical composition based on the UFI code from the product label and select the appropriate treatment.

For which mixtures is the UFI code required

![🧪]The UFI code is required for mixtures classified as hazardous due to physical hazards or hazards to human health, placed on the market:

for consumers (e.g., detergents, adhesives, paints),
for professional users (e.g., industrial cleaning agents),
for industrial use (mixtures for further chemical production).

The UFI code is not required for mixtures classified solely for environmental hazards or those assigned only EUH phrases.

From when is the UFI code required

![📅]The requirement to use the UFI code and the associated PCN notification applies from:

1 January 2021 – for consumer and professional mixtures,
1 January 2024 – for industrial mixtures.

Additionally:Products already on the market before these dates could use the transition period until 1 January 2025, provided that their composition, classification, or use had not changed (no changes requiring update of the notification according to Annex VIII of the CLP Regulation).

What must be done for the UFI code to be valid

![🛠️]For the UFI code to be recognized as valid and effective, it is necessary to:

Generate the UFI code – using the UFI Generator tool provided by ECHA.
Assign the UFI code to a single, specific formula – any change in the mixture’s composition may require a new UFI code.
Submit a PCN notification – send complete information about the mixture (including the UFI) to the relevant national authorities via the ECHA Submission Portal.
Place the UFI code on the label – the code must be clearly visible and legible, e.g., near the hazard information or a QR code.

Important!

If you modify the product’s composition, it may be necessary to generate a new UFI code and update the notification.

How the UFI code connects to the PCN notification

![📥]The PCN notification (Poison Centres Notification) is the procedure where you submit detailed information about the mixture to the competent authority to enable medical assistance in case of exposure.

In practice:

The UFI code is included in the PCN notification file sent to ECHA or the appropriate poison centre.
The UFI code is also placed on the product label on sale.
In the event of poisoning, the doctor reads the UFI code from the product ➔ the PCN system quickly provides complete information on the composition ➔ fast and effective assistance.

📋 Summary

Element	What you must do
UFI generation	Generate using the ECHA tool
Linking UFI with the mixture	Assign each code to one specific formula
PCN notification	Submit data to the relevant poison centres
Label placement	The UFI code must be clear and visible

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What is the UFI code and when is it required?