Quick help in cases of poisoning accidents thanks to the UFI code

UFI stands for Unique Formula Identifier. It is a 16-digit code that can usually be found on the labels of products classified as hazardous to health or physically dangerous in the European Economic Area (EEA). Since 1 January 2021, the UFI code has been mandatory for these products, provided they are intended for use by consumers or for use in the commercial/ e sector. From 1 January 2025, all products classified as hazardous that are used purely for industrial purposes must also carry this UFI code.

The code is a unique identifier for a product's formulation. It can be used to quickly and reliably find the correct formulation for a product.

Products that require a UFI code include special cleaners, detergents and fuels such as liquid barbecue lighters. These products usually also carry a hazard pictogram. They can be harmful to health if not used correctly. In the worst case, they can cause a medical emergency. One of the seven German Poison Information Centres (GIZ) is often the first point of contact in such cases. Thanks to the UFI code, GIZ employees can quickly and accurately identify the products in question via a central database when an emergency call is received. As they have access to ingredient and toxicity information, they can provide better and faster medical advice.
 

As an EU authority, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHAshort forEuropean Chemicals Agency) is responsible for the technical, scientific and administrative aspects of the registration, evaluation and External Link:authorisation of chemicals. However, ECHAshort forEuropean Chemicals Agency also provides the technical requirements for product notifications in accordance with Article 45 and Annex VIII of External Link:the CLP Regulation (Regulation on the classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures) for the European Economic Area (EEA).

As part of the product notifications for emergency medical advice, the UFI code must be submitted to the ECHAshort forEuropean Chemicals Agency or, in some countries, alternatively to the so-called "notified bodies" together with further information on the product. In Germany, the notified body is the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment. Only when the necessary information is available in Germany is a product notification officially made.

Manufacturers can generate a UFI code themselves using the UFI generator on the External Link:ECHA website and then submit it to the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment together with the formulation and other product information in the European harmonised Poison Centres Notification (PCN) format. Any changes in the composition of the mixture or other relevant information about the product must be communicated to the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment or ECHAshort forEuropean Chemicals Agency and the entire supply chain.
 

Yes. For each formulation, a company must generate a UFI code and place it on the product label or inner packaging. This means, for example, that two products with different names but the same formulation can also have the same UFI code. However, a formula can also have several UFI codes. Therefore, the indication of different UFI codes does not necessarily mean that the formulas are different.

According to the External Link:CLP Regulation (Regulation on the classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures), all importers, downstream users and distributors in the European Economic Area (EEA) are required to notify the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment of products that are classified as hazardous to health or physically hazardous and are placed on the market in Germany before they are marketed. Product notifications must be submitted in a standardised format – the Poison Centres Notification Format (PCN format).

The BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment has published questions and answers on product notifications.

Yes. All information transmitted is available exclusively to the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment and the seven German poison information centres (GIZ) and must be treated confidentially, among other things to ensure that no information about the formulation is released to the market.

The BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment was significantly involved in the conceptual development of the UFI code. The institute is the competent authority in Germany for receiving product notifications in accordance with Article 45 and Annex VIII of the European CLP Regulation (Regulation on the classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures).

Companies report all product information to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHAshort forEuropean Chemicals Agency), which then forwards it to the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment as the competent authority for Germany. Products that are only placed on the market in Germany can also be reported directly to the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment. The BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment stores the information provided in its database, validates the data and then forwards it, together with the UFI code, to the seven German poison information centres (GIZ) for emergency medical advice.
 

The UFI code must be clearly visible and indelible. It is usually printed on the label, but may also be located next to the label or on the inner packaging. Consumers can recognise it by the three letters "UFI". The code contains letters and numbers in a total of four blocks, separated by a hyphen. Here is an example:

UFI: 2YD3-R0H0-J005-3G7P

Products used purely for industrial purposes are an exception. In this case, it is sufficient to include the UFI code in the safety data sheet.

Poison control centres (GIZ) in Germany receive around 280,000 enquiries every year. Around half of these relate to children. Accidental poisoning is particularly common among young children between the ages of one and four. Around 90% of enquiries about possible poisoning in children relate to the youngest members of this group. The most common causes of poisoning are chemical products, medicines or plants, followed by cosmetics and food and luxury foods. Most cases in young children are asymptomatic or only cause mild symptoms that do not require medical treatment. However, there are exceptions where precise knowledge of the chemical composition of the product is essential for treatment.
The BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment has developed an app for poisoning accidents in children. It provides tips on child-proof storage of medicines, household chemicals and other products, as well as information on first aid measures. It is also possible to call one of the seven GIZs from the app. Important: Although the app provides information on first aid measures, it does not replace medical advice and treatment in an emergency.

Further information about the app can be found External Link:hier.