PCN & UFI for Anti-Corrosion Products

How does the UFI creation and PCN notification service work?

After purchasing this service, you will receive access to the secure portal. This portal contains an overview of all steps. You fill in your product details and we will get to work.

Poison Center Notification & UFI

We will provide:

• Your product’s Unique Formula Identifier (UFI)
• A Poison Centre Notification (PCN) report
• Registration of your product with the relevant national Poison Centres via ECHA.

Countries for PCN registration

You can count the number of countries in which you want to register your product. This is the number of countries you need to purchase. You will be able to select the specific countries within the portal. If you plan to expand the sales of your products to new countries at a later date, then you can always order additional PCN country registrations.
The EU has 27 countries and the EEA has 30 (EU+Lichtenstein, Norway and Iceland) In the portal you can select these countries:

*For Switzerland we can create the PCN dossier, with all the needed information to make a submission in the Swiss portal. Contact us for more information.

CLP Label Information

We offer the option to purchase a CLP compliant product label, containing all mandatory information as required by the EU CLP Regulation. This will be provided as a PDF. This is not a design, but a summery of the required information. This will enable you to integrate the necessary information into your product label design. You can also order the CLP label creation separately. Already have a label? — We can do a CLP label compliance check of your label in accordance with current CLP requirements. We will provide detailed feedback and corrections to ensure your label meets all regulatory standards.

Poison Centre Notification for Dishwashing Machine Care Agents (Including Anti-Corrosion Products)

Dishwashing machine care agents—used to maintain and protect the internal components of dishwashers, including anti-corrosion solutions—often contain chemical substances that can be classified as hazardous under EU regulations. If a product meets these hazard criteria (and is not merely intended for deodorizing, which is covered under “Ambient deodorisers”), it requires a Poison Centre Notification (PCN). By submitting a PCN, manufacturers and distributors ensure poison centers can swiftly access information about chemical composition, hazard classification, and first-aid measures, enabling rapid and accurate guidance should an accidental exposure or misuse occur.

What is a UFI?

The Unique Formula Identifier (UFI) is a 16-character alphanumeric code linking a hazardous product to its specific chemical formulation. For dishwashing machine care agents (including anti-corrosion products) classified as hazardous, the UFI must appear on the product label, usually near hazard symbols or warning statements. This code is vital for poison centers to promptly identify the product’s composition and recommend the correct medical or first-aid treatment in emergencies.

What is a PCN?

A Poison Centre Notification (PCN) is a regulatory submission required under EU law for chemical mixtures deemed hazardous. Submitting a PCN for dishwashing machine care agents gives poison centers immediate access to detailed data on the product’s formulation, hazard level, packaging information, and recommended usage and first aid. This allows healthcare professionals to respond quickly and effectively in accidental exposure situations.

What is CLP?

The Classification, Labelling, and Packaging (CLP) regulation sets uniform standards for classifying and labeling chemicals across EU member states. Products that meet hazardous criteria—like certain dishwashing machine care agents—must display hazard symbols, risk/precautionary statements, and the UFI on their labels. This labeling helps users and responders spot potential dangers and adhere to safe handling practices.

What is the Poison Centre?

The Poison Centre is a coordinated network of national poison centers responsible for providing medical advice and emergency assistance in cases of chemical exposure. Registering hazardous products like dishwashing machine care agents via a PCN ensures these centers can swiftly retrieve the product’s essential safety data, thus expediting accurate and effective interventions when accidents occur.

Why is This Needed?

Dishwashing machine care agents may include active chemicals designed to remove limescale, food deposits, or prevent corrosion, potentially causing harm if inhaled, ingested, or if they come into contact with skin or eyes. A PCN ensures poison centers can access the product’s safety details in real time, reducing the likelihood of serious outcomes and satisfying EU legal requirements.

Since When is This by Law Obligatory?

From January 1, 2021, under EU CLP regulations, any hazardous chemical mixture—including dishwashing machine care agents—must be registered via a Poison Centre Notification. This standardized procedure ensures consistent emergency responses and safety compliance across EU member states.

FAQ

Question: Do all dishwashing machine care agents require a PCN?

Answer: Only products classified as hazardous under CLP regulations require a PCN. If a product is solely for deodorizing, it is categorized under “Ambient deodorisers” and follows different rules.

Question: Where should the UFI appear on the product label?

Answer: The UFI is typically placed near hazard symbols or precautionary statements, ensuring quick visibility for poison centers and emergency responders in the event of an accident.

Question: What does a PCN submission include?

Answer: A PCN submission covers the product’s chemical composition, hazard classification, usage guidelines, packaging details, and first-aid recommendations, allowing poison centers to effectively address exposure scenarios.

Question: Who is responsible for submitting the PCN?

Answer: Typically, the manufacturer, importer, or distributor that markets the hazardous product in the EU must submit the PCN if the product meets the necessary hazard classification criteria.

Question: What happens if I fail to submit a PCN?

Answer: Non-compliance can result in legal penalties, fines, or sales restrictions within the EU until PCN obligations are fulfilled.

Question: When did the PCN requirement become mandatory?

Answer: The requirement took effect on January 1, 2021, under the EU CLP regulation, ensuring uniform safety practices and emergency response standards throughout the EU.

Question: How long does it take to submit the UFI and PCN notification?

It takes us a few days’ work. As soon as you upload the documentation, we will get started right away.

Question: Am I the owner of the PCN notification?

Yes, you are the owner of the PCN notification. You retain full ownership of the data you provided. The PCN notification will be accessible in your ECHA account.

Question: Is this service for one product or more?

The service is for one product.

Question: Why do I have to pay to create a UFI?

The service we offer is not just about providing a UFI. The UFI is a component within a much more extensive process. The core service we provide is the preparation and submission of your Poison Centre Notification (PCN) to national appointed bodies through ECHA portal, which is a mandatory requirement under the EU CLP Regulation for placing hazardous mixtures on the market. Generating a UFI is simplest part.  The PCN report, however, is complex. It demands detailed ingredient review—chemical classifications—formatted precisely for Poison Centre submission via ECHA.

Question: My company is not based in the EU, how can I submit a PCN?

We provide a solution for companies which are not based in the EU. You can find more information on the PCN & UFI for non-EU companies page.

Question: Can you provide Safety Data Sheets in full compliance with EU Regulation (REACH & CLP)?

Yes, we can create Safety Data Sheets (SDS)— also known as Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)— tailored to your product and compliant with the latest EU regulations. Whether you are manufacturing chemical mixtures, importing products into the EU, or distributing under a private label, a compliant SDS is legally required and essential for safe use throughout the supply chain. You will find more on the Safety Data Sheet (MSDS/SDS) Creation Service page.