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Summary:
- A UFI is mandatory for labeling hazardous mixed products distributed in the EU.
- A UFI is a 16-digit alphanumeric code indicating the chemical composition, toxicological information and product category of a mixture.
- You can generate a UFI for your product using the ECHA online generator tool.
- You must submit the product’s UFI and composition information to the Poison Center Notification (PCN) system.
- UFIs must be placed on a readable surface next to a product’s other hazard information or trade name.
Accidental poisoning is a serious risk for people using hazardous cleaning products, chemicals and other reactive agents. Contacting your local poison information center and seeking immediate medical attention can prevent injury or death in most cases.
However, if emergency personnel cannot identify a hazardous product, it results in ineffective treatment and permanent damage. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) states that over 40 percent of calls to poison centers resulted in problematic identification.
A Unique Formula Identifier (UFI) is a crucial component of hazardous materials packaging for manufacturers in the European Union (EU). Understanding how to generate a UFI and integrate it into your packaging is an essential step toward safely distributing your product in Europe.
What Is a Unique Formula Identifier (UFI) Number?
Like hazmat placards, a Unique Formula Identifier (UFI) number is essential for safe packaging, transport and usage of hazardous materials. The UFI is a code printed on hazardous materials manufactured or distributed within the EU. As of 2020, it is a mandatory labeling requisite according to Annex VIII of the Classification, Labeling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation.
The UFI provides critical information about a product’s composition, trade name, toxicological information, packaging and product category. It allows emergency staff to identify potential sources of poisoning and administer treatment quickly.
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Unique Formula Identifier (UFI) Format
Due to its coded format, a UFI number is easily readable on the side of hazardous materials packaging. A UFI code begins with the prefix UFI, followed by a 16-digit alphanumeric code separated into blocks of four with dashes between each block.
For example, UFI: DUVO-405N-N00N-5MER is the code for Procter & Gamble’s Fairy brand dishwashing detergent made in the EU.
All products labeled with the same UFI must have the same chemical composition and be sold under the same trade name.
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UFIs and Product Integrity
A UFI does not allow individuals to decode mixture compositions from the alphanumeric series. This ensures that confidential business information, trademarks and specific product formulas remain secure.
It also means that a UFI can be used as a product identifier along the entire supply chain for easy communication without compromising the integrity of your business.
Supply Chain and Mixture in Mixture UFIs
Many hazardous mixtures are components in creating new Mixture in Mixture (MiM) products. This means that if a user downstream in the supply chain uses a hazardous mixture as part of a new MiM product, the supplier can provide the original mixture’s UFI rather than the entire ingredient list.
They can then use the original UFI and the other MiM ingredients to generate a new UFI for the final product.
How UFI Numbers Are Generated
You can generate a UFI through the ECHA’s online UFI Generator Tool. To create a UFI, you need your company’s VAT identification number and the product’s mixture-specific formulation number.
Most manufacturers have an internal formulation code for their chemical products, identifying the chemical makeup and hazard classifications. You can use these in-house identifier codes in the ECHA generator if they are only numerical.
However, if they are alphanumeric, you’ll need to reassign mixed formulation codes to your products that follow the generator’s format.
Registering a UFI
While generating UFI for dangerous mixed products is crucial, you must submit the UFI with the full mixture composition, toxicological report and hazard information to the Poison Center Notification (PCN) system. This ensures that all information regarding the product is linked with the UFI and makes it easy for poison control staff to access the information.
If you don’t submit the UFI to the PCN, it is invalid and does not comply with Annex VIII of the CPL.
Where Do You Need to Place a UFI?
The UFI must be displayed on the product label. You can either integrate it into the product’s primary or secondary packaging or affix the UFI as a separate label. This could include product bottles, jerricans and 55-gallon drums for bulk chemicals.
Because product packaging dimensions and designs differ, there is no specific location on the packaging where the UFI must be placed. However, it must be located close to other hazard information, including pictograms or symbols indicating correct usage, or next to the product's trade name. You should never place the UFI label on the bottom of the packaging.
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When Do You Need to Update a UFI?
In some cases, you may need to update and generate a new UFI for your product. These cases include:
- Changes, additions or removal of ingredients
- Changes to the concentrations of ingredients in the product
- If the UFI of a mixture as part of a MiM product is changed
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