UFI Code: Complete Guide to Generation, Labeling, and Management

What is the UFI code?

The UFI (Unique Formula Identifier) code is a 16-character alphanumeric code in the format XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX. It was introduced by Regulation (EU) 2017/542 as part of Annex VIII of the CLP to create a unique link between the composition of a hazardous mixture and the information transmitted to poison control centers via the PCN notification.

In the event of accidental poisoning, the patient or first responder communicates the UFI code on the label to the poison control center, which can immediately access the complete composition of the mixture and provide appropriate therapeutic guidance.

When the UFI code is mandatory

The UFI code is mandatory for all mixtures that must be notified to poison control centers according to Annex VIII of the CLP:

• Mixtures classified as hazardous to health — Acute toxicity, skin corrosion/irritation, eye damage, sensitization, STOT, aspiration hazard
• Mixtures classified as hazardous for physical effects — Flammable, oxidizing, self-reactive, pyrophoric, organic peroxides, corrosive to metals (note: explosives are explicitly excluded from Annex VIII, Section 2.2)
• Biocidal products containing hazardous mixtures

Not mandatory for: mixtures that are only hazardous to the environment (without health or physical hazards), pure substances (not mixtures), and categories exempt from PCN notification (medicines, cosmetics, food).

How to generate a UFI code

The UFI code is generated using an algorithm defined by ECHA based on two inputs:

• VAT number of the company making the notification — Ensures that different companies cannot generate the same UFI
• Specific formulation number — A unique number assigned by the company to each different mixture composition

The algorithm produces a 16-character code with an integrated checksum for integrity verification. The same VAT + same formulation number always generate the same UFI (determinism). ECHA provides a free online UFI generator, but for managing dozens or hundreds of formulations, an integrated system such as kemXpro is required.

Basic Rules of the UFI Code

• One UFI per composition — If the composition of the mixture changes beyond the variations allowed in Table 4 of Annex VIII, a new UFI is required
• Same UFI for same product — The same product sold under different trade names can retain the same UFI if the composition is identical
• Group submission — Products that differ only in fragrance (components not classified as hazardous) can be grouped into a single notification
• Reformulation — A change in composition requires a new UFI and a new PCN notification (or update)
• Permanence — An assigned UFI must not be reused for a different composition

Where to place the UFI code on the label

The UFI code must be displayed:

• On the label — In the supplemental information section of the CLP label, preceded by the letters "UFI:" in clearly legible and indelible characters
• In the SDS (Section 1.1) — The UFI code must always be included in subsection 1.1 of the SDS. Only for mixtures (a) not packaged or (b) intended exclusively for industrial use, the code may be indicated only in the SDS, as an alternative to the label
• Inner packaging — If the outer packaging can be removed, the UFI must also be present on the inner packaging

UFI code management with kemXpro

kemXpro integrates complete UFI code lifecycle management:

• Integrated UFI generator — Compliant with the ECHA algorithm, it automatically generates the UFI when a formulation is created or modified
• Automatic validation — Verifies the format and checksum of the UFI code
• Historical tracking — Complete record of which UFI was associated with which composition in which time period
• Automatic label insertion — The UFI code is automatically inserted into the CLP label generated by kemXpro
• Automatic insertion in SDS — The UFI is reported in Section 1 of the SDS
• Link to PCN notification — Each UFI is linked to the corresponding PCN notification with transmission status
• Reformulation alert — When the composition is modified, the system alerts you to the need to generate a new UFI and update the PCN notification
• Group submission management — Support for shared UFIs in group notifications