Every company or organisation that imports or manufactures products with a hazardous substance composition can actually create their own UFI number. In fact, they are obliged to do so. If you want to create a UFI code for a mixture, you will need two separate numbers. The first number is the VAT number and in some cases a company key. The second number is the specific formulation number of the mixture. These two numbers should be entered into the UFI generator on the ECHA web application. The web application will then automatically generate your unique UFI code. You may wonder why a VAT number is necessary for the creation of a UFI number. This is to prevent overlap between UFI codes created by different companies.
UFI number
A UFI number plays an important role when applying for a PCN, also known as Poison Center Notification. The abbreviation UFI stands for Unique Formula Identifier. This is an alphanumeric code consisting of 16 characters that are used to identify the composition of the hazardous substances that are incorporated into a product. If you do not know anything about the topic, a UFI number can raise a lot of questions. Because of the importance of the UFI code, we would like to explain more about it. On this page, you will read the most important information about this useful instrument which is used by poison centres. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
WHY IS A UFI NUMBER MANDATORY?
We have already briefly mentioned that a UFI code is indispensable when applying for a Poison Center Notification. But why is that? It is because, in the past, poison centres have found it difficult to identify the composition of a hazardous product in the event of a calamity involving exposure to that specific product. In order to facilitate and speed up this process, poison centres decided to assign an alphanumeric code to each different composition of hazardous substances. This code, the UFI number, is printed on the product that contains the composition in question or placed on the label of the product. The UFI number is not a substitute method of identification; however, it is used in conjunction with the other methods of poison centres to identify the hazardous substances in a product.
CAN I CREATE A UFI NUMBER MYSELF?
HOW LONG DOES A UFI CODE REMAIN VALID?
In principle, one UFI number can be used for identical mixture compositions. It is therefore possible to market several products with different trade names that have the same UFI code. So, a UFI remains valid indefinitely as long as the mixture’s composition stays unchanged. This is because the norm is to only create a new UFI code when the composition of the mixture changes. The same UFI number format is valid within all countries of the EEA, which are all EU countries plus Liechtenstein, Iceland, and Norway.
CAN I USE MULTIPLE UFI CODES FOR ONE PRODUCT?
For data management and commercial reasons, it is also possible to assign several UFI codes to the same product. Whatever you choose, please note that it is very important that you always pass on the correct UFI codes to poison centres. After all, the purpose of a UFI number is and remains to simplify the identification of hazardous mixtures. This helps emergency responders take quicker and more effective action in the event of a calamity.
WHICH PRODUCTS REQUIRE A UFI NUMBER?
Hopefully, you now have more knowledge about what a UFI number is and what the importance is of this number. To give you an even clearer idea of the UFI code, we have listed some of the products that require one:
- Ink and toner for printers;
- Fuels, such as lighter fluids and lamp oil;
- Paints and coatings;
- Construction products, such as mortar and concrete;
- Garden chemicals, such as pesticides and plant fertilizers;
- Mixtures for electronic cigarettes;
- Detergents for laundry and washing machine, dishwasher products and fabric softeners;
- Cleaning and maintenance products for indoors and outdoors;
- Specific cleaning products, e.g. cleaning products for cars or shoes;
- Arts and crafts materials, for example finger paints and hobby paints;
- Air fresheners, from scented candles to room deodorants;
- Adhesives, from ordinary glue sticks to adhesives for wall and/or floor coverings.
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
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