UFI and PCN: what your household product needs before it goes on sale
Updated · By Justine Teruel
The short answer
A mixture classified for health or physical hazards and intended for consumers or professionals must be notified to poison centres (PCN) through the ECHA portal before it is placed on the market (CLP Annex VIII). The notification is linked to a 16-character UFI code that must appear on the label. Since 1 January 2025, old national notifications are no longer enough.
The UFI in practice
The UFI (Unique Formula Identifier) is generated from your VAT number and a formulation number. It is printed on the label, preceded by “UFI:”, usually near the hazard statements.
One UFI matches one composition. If the formula changes beyond the allowed tolerances, you need a new UFI and an updated notification.
What the PCN notification contains
Product and submitter identification, classification and label elements, composition (with concentrations or ranges), toxicological information, intended use, packaging type.
Common mistakes
Printed UFI that does not match the notified formula, notification made for one country but not for other countries of sale, label classification different from the one declared, fragrance declared without its composition.
What this means in practice for a brand
- List every EU country where the product will be sold: the notification must cover them.
- Check that the UFI on the artwork matches the notified formula exactly.
- Keep label, SDS and notification aligned with every formula or supplier change.
- Detergent mentions (Regulation 648/2004) come on top of the CLP label: check both together.
Check label, UFI and consistency before sale
I check classification, CLP label, UFI, detergent mentions and consistency with your safety data sheet.
See the EU Household Compliance Preflight — €490Need a fuller diagnostic (classification included)? Compliance Diagnostic — €890
Frequently asked questions
Do all household products need a UFI?
No. Only mixtures classified for health or physical hazards. A non-classified product does not need one.
Who submits the PCN notification?
The importer or downstream user placing the mixture on the market (often the brand or its manufacturer). I do not submit it for you: I check that the information is ready and consistent.
Do I need a new UFI if I change the fragrance?
Very often yes, because the composition changes. It depends on how big the change is compared with the Annex VIII tolerances.
Where does the UFI go on the label?
In the supplemental information, usually near the hazard statements, legible and preceded by “UFI:”.
Primary regulatory sources
Related guides
Regulatory consulting and documentation preparation — not a certification and not a regulated role. Bridge & Flow does not act as Responsible Person (Reg. 1223/2009), does not sign safety assessments, does not file notifications and is not a notified body.