Chemicals - UFI Codes

Chemicals - UFI Codes

Overview

In this guide, we will explain the process, should UFI codes need to be obtained

What is a UFI Code?

A UFI code is a 16-character code (made of letters and numbers) that appears on products that contain hazardous chemical mixtures. It is used in the EU and UK to identify the exact chemical formulation of a product—mainly for safety and emergency purposes.

It links:

  1. The exact chemical recipe (formulation) of a product
  2. to detailed information submitted to and held by poison centres
  3. If someone is exposed to the product, medical professionals can quickly access its composition and give the right treatment.7

Why does it exist?

The main purpose is safety in emergencies. If someone is exposed to a product (e.g. swallowed, inhaled, or splashed in eyes), medical professionals can:
  1. Read the UFI code from the label
  2. Look it up in a database
  3. Instantly see what’s inside the product
  4. Give the correct medical treatment
Without it, doctors would be guessing.

Where do you find the UFI?

You will usually find the UFI:
  1. On the product label
  2. Near hazard symbols or safety warnings
  3. Marked clearly as: “UFI: XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX”
    Example format - A UFI looks like: UFI: E500-40P2-S00Y-343L

What products need a UFI?

A UFI is required for hazardous mixtures supplied to consumers or professionals.
Typical examples include:
  1. Cleaning products (e.g. bleach, detergents)
  2. Paints and coatings
  3. Adhesives
  4. Some automotive fluids
If a product has hazard pictograms (like corrosive, toxic, etc.), it will likely need a UFI.

Generally, no UFI is needed for:

  • Non-hazardous mixtures
  • Articles (e.g. finished goods like electronics)
  • Substances (single chemicals, not mixtures)
  • Some industrial-only products (with limited exceptions)7

Who creates the UFI?

The company placing the product on the market (manufacturer, importer, or formulator) creates the UFI.

They use:

  • Their company VAT number (or company ID)
  • An internal formulation number

These are combined using an online tool to generate the UFI.

How can I generate a UFI?

1. UFI Generator (create your UFI code)
This is the main tool to generate a UFI and get be access via the following website:
https://poisoncentres.echa.europa.eu/ufi-generator

You’ll need:
  1. Your company VAT number (or “company key”)
  2. An internal formulation number
2. Poison Centre Notification (PCN) Portal
After creating a UFI, you must submit the formulation here: https://poisoncentres.echa.europa.eu/echa-submission-portal

This is where you:
  1. Upload product composition
  2. Link it to your UFI
  3. Submit to poison centres

To Summarise

Important: The UFI is only part of the process

Creating a UFI isn’t enough on its own. You must also:
  1. Submit the product information to the Poison Centre Notification (PCN) system
  2. Ensure the formula matches exactly what was submitted
  3. Update the UFI if the formulation changes significantly