UFI Code for Hazardous Mixtures: Mandatory Labeling Explained

 If you manufacture, import, or sell chemical products in the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA), you may have come across the term UFI code. Short for Unique Formula Identifier, the UFI has become an essential requirement for chemical safety and regulatory compliance across Europe. But what exactly is a UFI code, and why is it required? Let’s explain it in simple terms.

What Is a UFI Code?

A UFI code is a 16-character alphanumeric code used to identify the exact formulation of a hazardous chemical mixture. It appears as a combination of letters and numbers, such as YV9K-3J9A-G209-C2T7.

What makes the UFI important is that it connects the product label seen on the market with detailed formulation information submitted through an EU Poison Centre Notification (PCN). This connection allows authorities to quickly and accurately identify a chemical mixture in emergency situations, such as accidental exposure or poisoning.

Where Did the UFI Requirement Come From?

The UFI requirement was introduced under the CLP Regulation (EU) 1272/2008, through Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/542. This update created a harmonised system for Poison Centre Notifications (PCN) across the EU.

The goal was to improve how emergency services respond to incidents involving hazardous chemical mixtures by ensuring they have fast access to reliable product information.

Why Is a UFI Code Mandatory?

UFIs are mandatory for hazardous mixtures for several important reasons:

1. Faster and More Accurate Emergency Response

When someone is exposed to a hazardous chemical, every minute matters. Without clear identification, poison centres may struggle to determine which mixture is involved. The UFI allows them to instantly access detailed hazard and composition data, helping them provide life-saving advice more quickly.

2. Clear Regulatory Compliance

Under the CLP Regulation, mixtures classified as health or physical hazards must display a UFI code on the label. This requirement applies to consumer, professional, and industrial products. The UFI must appear clearly on the label with the prefix “UFI:” followed by the 16-character code.

3. Consistent Safety Information Across the EU

The UFI creates a direct link between the product label and the information submitted in the PCN. This ensures that poison centres across the EU can access consistent and accurate safety data, regardless of where the product is sold.

When Did the UFI Become Mandatory?

The requirement was introduced in phases:

  • From 1 January 2021 – mandatory for new consumer and professional-use mixtures
  • From 1 January 2024 – extended to industrial-use mixtures
  • By 1 January 2025 – all hazardous mixtures already on the market must carry a UFI

As a result, nearly all hazardous mixtures sold in the EU today must have a UFI and a corresponding PCN submission.

Who Is Responsible for Providing the UFI?

The responsibility lies with manufacturers, importers, and downstream users who place hazardous mixtures on the EU/EEA market. These companies must:

  • Generate a UFI code
  • Display it correctly on the product label
  • Submit detailed product information through a Poison Centre Notification (PCN)

Conclusion

A UFI code is much more than a label requirement. It is a vital safety tool that helps emergency services quickly identify hazardous chemical products and provide appropriate medical advice. Mandatory under EU law, the UFI improves traceability, strengthens chemical safety, and supports effective emergency response across Europe.

Freyr’s experts support end-to-end chemical safety compliance, including CLPcompliance, UFI code generation, and PCN submissions—helping companies meet regulatory requirements with confidence.



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