PCN & UFI for Automotive Shampoos & Car Cleaners

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 Exterior Cleaning Products (All Vehicle Types)

Exterior cleaning products for all vehicle types—including automotive shampoos and specialized formulas for removing dirt, grease, grime, insects, and tar—often contain chemical ingredients that can pose health or environmental risks if misused. Under EU regulations, any such products classified as hazardous must be registered with a Poison Centre Notification (PCN). By filing a PCN, poison centers gain rapid access to essential product data in case of accidental exposure, thereby enhancing public safety and ensuring compliance with EU standards.

UFI (Unique Formula Identifier)

The Unique Formula Identifier (UFI) is a 16-character alphanumeric code that directly links a hazardous product to its specific formulation. For vehicle exterior cleaning products, the UFI should be clearly displayed on the product label, typically near hazard statements or precautionary advice. In emergencies, poison centers use this identifier to quickly determine the product’s chemical makeup, enabling accurate medical or first-aid guidance.

PCN (Poison Centre Notification)

A Poison Centre Notification (PCN) is a mandatory submission required under EU law for hazardous chemical mixtures. For exterior cleaning products, including car shampoos and bug/tar removers, the PCN provides poison centers with critical information—such as the product’s composition, hazard classification, usage instructions, and recommended first-aid measures. This centralized database allows emergency responders to rapidly retrieve safety details during accidents or misuse incidents.

CLP (Classification, Labelling, and Packaging)

CLP is an EU regulation that standardizes how chemicals are classified, labeled, and packaged across member states. Hazardous vehicle exterior cleaning products must carry consistent labeling, including hazard symbols, risk phrases, and the UFI. This labeling ensures both consumers and professionals can identify potential risks, handle these products responsibly, and comply with EU safety standards.

The Poison Centre

The Poison Centre is a collaborative network of national poison centers that offer medical guidance when chemical exposures occur. By submitting a PCN for hazardous vehicle exterior cleaning products, manufacturers, importers, or distributors equip poison centers with the data needed for swift, informed assistance in emergencies. This not only protects user health but also supports uniform safety protocols across the EU.

Why Is This Needed?

Vehicle exterior cleaning products commonly include detergents, solvents, or other chemicals designed to break down tough contaminants. These chemicals can pose health hazards (e.g., skin irritation, respiratory problems) if mishandled or if accidental contact occurs. A PCN ensures poison centers have readily available product information, reducing risks and allowing for immediate, accurate response to potential incidents.

Since When Is This by Law Obligatory?

As of January 1, 2021, hazardous chemical products must be notified through a PCN under the EU CLP regulation. This applies to all vehicle exterior cleaning products deemed hazardous, maintaining consistent safety measures and effective emergency responses throughout EU member states.

FAQ

Question: Do all vehicle exterior cleaning products require a PCN?

Answer: Only those classified as hazardous under CLP regulations require a PCN. Non-hazardous products do not need to be registered.

Question: Where should the UFI be located on the product label?

Answer: The UFI should be placed near the hazard warnings or precautionary statements on the label, ensuring quick reference in case of an emergency.

Question: What must be included in a PCN for exterior cleaning products?

Answer: A PCN submission includes details on the product’s chemical composition, hazard classification, first-aid recommendations, packaging specifications, and usage instructions.

Question: Are these regulations applicable to cleaning products for motorcycles or boats?

Answer: Yes, if the cleaning product is classified as hazardous, it must follow the same PCN and CLP requirements, regardless of the vehicle type.

Question: Who is responsible for submitting the PCN?

Answer: The manufacturer, importer, or distributor who places the hazardous product on the EU market is typically responsible for filing the PCN.

Question: What are the consequences if a PCN is not submitted when required?

Answer: Failure to comply can result in legal actions, fines, or the removal of the product from the EU market until the necessary requirements are met.

Question: When did this PCN requirement for hazardous products become mandatory?

Answer: The PCN requirement for hazardous chemical mixtures came into effect on January 1, 2021, in line with the EU CLP regulation.

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.