When is UFI code needed?

The Unique Formula Identifier (UFI code) is a critical element in the EU’s strategy to enhance poison centre notifications and ensure the safety of chemical mixtures placed on the market. Introduced under Annex VIII of the CLP Regulation, the UFI links a product's composition to specific information submitted to poison centres, allowing them to respond quickly and accurately in emergency situations.

But when exactly is a UFI code required? Here's a breakdown of when this identifier must be used and what businesses need to consider.

What Is a UFI Code?

Before diving into the requirements, it’s important to understand what the UFI code is. The UFI code is a 16-character alphanumeric code that is placed on the label of products containing hazardous mixtures. It creates a clear link between a mixture and the safety data submitted to relevant authorities.

This code is not randomly generated; it’s created through a specific process using the company’s VAT number (if available) and a unique mixture formulation number, often through the UFI Generator provided by ECHA (European Chemicals Agency).

If your supplier has already issued a UFI code and you want to check it, we have already written about this topic in the article "Can You Check If a UFI Code Is Valid?".

When Is the UFI Code Required?

The obligation to include a UFI code on the labels arises in several specific situations, mostly tied to the classification of chemical mixtures and the intended use of the product. Here's when the UFI code is necessary:

1. When the Mixture Is Classified as Hazardous

Any mixture that is classified as hazardous to human health or physical hazards must have a UFI code if it is being placed on the EU market. This includes products such as:

• Cleaning agents

• Paints and coatings

• Industrial adhesives

• Automotive chemicals

• Scented candles

If your product carries health or physical hazard classifications (e.g., irritant, corrosive, flammable), a UFI is mandatory.

2. UFI code on labels: When the Mixture Is for Consumer or Professional Use

The UFI codes requirement on the labels depends not only on the hazard classification but also on the use scenario:

• Consumer use: Products that are sold to the general public (e.g., household cleaners, cosmetics containing hazardous mixtures) must include a UFI code on the label.

• Professional use: Products intended for use by workers in non-industrial settings (e.g., salons, cleaning services) must also include the UFI on the label.

• Industrial use: For mixtures used exclusively in industrial settings, the UFI is still required, but the labelling requirements may differ slightly, and in some cases, the UFI may be included in the Safety Data Sheet instead of on the label.

  
  

New UFI code - New Notification

Whenever a mixture is modified in a way that affects its hazardous properties (such as reformulation or a change in ingredient concentration), a new notification must be submitted, and a new UFI might be needed. Each UFI corresponds to a unique formulation—if the formulation changes significantly, the identifier must change too.

Private Label Products

If a mixture is supplied under different brand names or private labels, each brand owner may choose to submit their own notification and generate their own UFI. This means multiple UFIs can exist for the same mixture composition, depending on how the supply chain is managed. Of course, all products can have the same UFI code and several different names registered under it.

Final Thoughts

The UFI is more than just a regulatory requirement—it plays a vital role in safeguarding public health by allowing emergency services to access critical safety data quickly. Ensuring compliance with UFI obligations not only fulfills legal duties but also strengthens trust in your brand’s safety and responsibility standards.

If your product contains hazardous mixtures and is sold within the EU, reviewing your UFI compliance is not optional—it’s essential. For assistance, consider consulting a regulatory expert (info@chem-consulting.si) or using ECHA’s official tools to manage your submissions effectively.

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