From 2021, a so-called UFI number or UFI code will appear on the labels of our packaging. In this article, our dangerous goods officer, Mark Brumme, informs you about the new UFI numbers.
Example of a UFI number: P4TM-JOY2-700M-FSVS
It is an alphanumeric code with 16 digits, divided into four sections by hyphens. This labelling will be mandatory from 2025 for all products that pose a health or physical hazard.
What is this new UFI number all about?
UFI stands for „Unique Formula Identifier“ or „unique formula identifier“. The UFI code is intended to help take the right action in the event of poisoning. Poison control centres have access to a list of these numbers and can thus quickly and reliably identify the ingredients and properties of the product.
For which products is the UFI number mandatory?
The UFI number must be affixed to all products with hazardous ingredients. However, as a voluntary measure, the information may also be used for non-hazardous products. Therefore, if you find a UFI number on our products, this does not necessarily mean that it is also a hazardous product.
Where do the provisions of the new UFI number apply?
The UFI number is the implementation of the information from Article 45 of EU Regulation 1272/2008. As this is a European regulation, you will find the UFI number or UFI code on products from all EU countries in future.
What are the deadlines?
From when the UFI number must be affixed to products depends on their distribution. A distinction is made as to whether a product is sold to private end users, commercial users or industrial companies:
Private users from 01.01.2021
Commercial users from 01.01.2021
Industry from 01.01.2024
Products reported before 01.01.2021 from 01.01.2025
Regardless of these deadlines, you will find the UFI number on our products with immediate effect. We will also indicate the UFI number on products that do not contain any hazardous ingredients. You will also find the UFI number on our safety data sheets in future.
What should I do in the event of an accident?
We do not want you to be injured by one of our or other products, but if this should happen, the information stored will help the doctor to take the right measures. To make this possible, please take a picture of the product (e.g. with a mobile phone) and bring the picture (or the mobile phone) with you to the accident and emergency department. The doctor can then use the UFI number to obtain important information from the poison control centre. As the information is not yet available for all products with an emergency number during a transitional period, you should also have the product name and manufacturer to hand (or take a photo). If it is one of our products, you can also bring our safety data sheet to the emergency medical centre instead.
If you have any further questions about UFI numbers or UFI codes, please contact us at any time.