Do you want to generate UFI with your own software? UFI Generator source code: C# UFI Generator
In accordance with Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/542 amending Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council, a new element of product labelling is introduced. It is an alphanumeric code, the so-called UFI code (Uniquie Formula Identifier). The unified identifier consists of 16 characters. The aim of UFI is to simplify product identification when making emergency calls to Toxicology Centers and to establish a clear link between information provided to poison centers and the product (mixture) that is being placed on the market. The PCN portal (Poison centres notification) is used to provide information from 2021.
The obligation to label the product with UFI code and to report to PCN primarily falls on importers and downstream users.
In this case, you are obliged to generate UFI and then report the information as part of the notification to the poison centers. Also, companies that buy ready-made mixes and then change their name, must report the product under a new name with the original UFI of purchases mixtures. On the contrary, distributors who only resell products and do not interfere with the product's formula or label are exempted from the new obligations.
To create UFI, a company identification number and a numerical product designation, the so-called numerical formula code, are required. The formula code number can be any number from 0 to about 268 million. Companies must choose a sustainable form of product numbering to avoid confusion and code duplication. It is possible to use both the existing product code system you have introduced in your company, such as recipe codes or product groups, or part of the EAN code.
To simplify the work related to these newly acquired duties, the SBLCore software can generate the required UFI code after entering the necessary information (Company ID and formula code number). At the same time, on the basis of the data included in Safety Data Sheet, it creates a PCN format for reporting to the new ECHA portal. In order to ensure the uniqueness of the code and to avoid duplication of the codes of other companies, the company ID number is used. In addition, companies do not have to worry about decoding information about the formula of reported mixtures, this information is only provided to poison centers to provide emergency assistance in emergency situations. The software also includes a built-in check of the mandatory information required by the PCN portal. With the help of validations, it alerts the user to any errors or missing information required for a successful mixture notification.
How does the UFI itself actually look and how should it be presented? The abbreviation "UFI" is universal and remains unchanged in all European Union languages. It also precedes the code itself. The UFI must also be listed on the label. There are two ways to present it:
From 2025, this code will have to be mandatory on the labels of all products classified as hazardous to human health or based on physical effects. It shall also be sent to the PCN system in the form of a PCN dossier together with other information from the safety data sheet as part of the notification. Products that are not classified as hazardous or classified only as environmental hazards are not required to have UFI and to be reported. However, it is recommended that the code and subsequent notification is used to facilitate possible communication between the poison control center and the emergency call.
The information required for notification was extended in comparison to the current system. For example, a complete chemical formula is now required, which means components classified as both hazardous and non-hazardous, the type and size of packaging, the product category according to the harmonized European Product Categorization System (EuPCS), hazard information, labeling elements, toxicological information and information on physico-chemical properties.
The notification date varies depending on the use of the product. In the case of consumer and professional use, this was set to January 1st 2021 (Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/11) and for mixtures intended for industrial use to January 1st 2024 (Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/542). For products already registered under national law legislation that have not undergone any change during this period, the relevant notification remain in force until January 1st 2025. After January 1st 2025, all mixtures on the market shall be notified in accordance with the requirements of Annex VIII to Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/542 and to Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/11.
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