UFI & PCN
UFI and PCN
UFI stands for Unique Formula Identifier. It is an alphanumeric code consisting of 16 characters with an internal control key. The UFI code ensures that the mixture can be quickly identified in case of an incident. This allows for prompt and effective action to provide the right assistance and minimize the consequences of an incident as much as possible.
To register a product with the EU Poison Centers, there is now a centralized portal. Through this portal, a single registration can be made for all required countries. The format and required information are the same for all countries. To register via the PCN portal, information is needed about the composition of the product, as well as its physical properties and packaging.
In addition to a UFI code, an EuPCS code is also required. EuPCS stands for European Product Categorization System. This system assigns a code to products based on their main intended use.
Learn more about UFI and PCN
PCN NOTIFICATION
- General company information
- Classification of the product
- section 11 from the SDS of the product
- user type (consumer, professional and/or industrial)
- trade name(s) of the product
- UFI-code and EuPCS-code of the product
- A group notification is allowed for product with:
- the same classification; and
- the same EuPCS-code; and
- the exact same composition, except for ≤5% UNCLASSIFIED perfumes or ≤25% UNCLASSIFIED colour pigments.
A new registration is required if the composition of the product, and therefore also the UFI, has changed. If anything changes in the other data of the product, the packaging or the data of the supplier, an update of the registration is sufficient.
A registration never expires. Products can remain on the market for a very long time after production and sale. Therefore, a PCN notification can always be updated, but it will never expire.
For consumer and professional products new on the market, the notification must be done according to the new format since January 1, 2021. For new industrial products, the new format will be mandatory starting January 1, 2024.
There is a transition period for products that have already been registered at a Poison Center. These products must be registered in accordance with the new format, including UFI code, no later than 1 January 2025. Any updates or notifications in new countries before then must already be done according to the new format.
PCN: DUTYHOLDERS
Yes, this is required by law. There is no central database for Poison Centers in Europe.
Yes, that is allowed. As long as the formulation of the product remains the same, all names, packagings and UFIs may be merged into one notification. This registration can also be done in several countries at once if necessary.
Yes, however, the responsibility for the notification always remains with the Dutyholder.
In this case, the European importer is the Dutyholder for UFI and PCN for the countries where they will put the product on the market.
UNIQUE FORMULA IDENTIFIER
A UFI-code cannot be requested, it must be generated.
A UFI can be generated using the UFI generator. The UFI generator (https://ufi.echa.europa.eu/#/create) calculates a UFI based on a European VAT number and a self-chosen formulation number.
- Yes, as long as the formulation of the products is exactly the same.
- The UFI is linked to a formulation. If the formulation changes, the UFI will also change.
- It is also possible to link multiple UFIs to one formulation.
According to the current rules, the UFI must be on the label. New legislation is being drafted at the moment. This will describe that the UFI may also be mentioned on the packaging, as long as the UFI is clearly recognizable.
Once the product has been registered under the new legislation via the new PCN portal. A UFI is always combined with a Poison Center Notification. The use of a UFI without a notification has no added value, and is also strongly discouraged by ECHA
Yes, in this case a Company Key must be used.
For more information, please contact us info@devibfabriek.nl