PCN & UFI for Unit Dose 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 Detergents (Including Unit Dose)

Dishwashing detergents, whether in liquid, powder, or single-dose capsule form, often contain surfactants, enzymes, bleaches, or other active agents that facilitate the removal of grease and food residues from dishes. These ingredients may present health or environmental hazards if the product is misused or accidentally ingested. As a result, dishwashing detergents classified as hazardous under EU regulations require a Poison Centre Notification (PCN). Submitting a PCN ensures that poison centers have immediate access to the product’s chemical composition, hazard classification, and necessary first-aid instructions, allowing them to provide prompt and accurate advice in the event of an accidental exposure.

What is a UFI?

The Unique Formula Identifier (UFI) is a 16-character alphanumeric code that links a hazardous product to its exact chemical formulation. For dishwashing detergents that are deemed hazardous, the UFI must appear on the label—often near hazard symbols or safety instructions. In case of an exposure emergency, poison centers refer to the UFI to determine the product’s precise formulation, enabling them to guide medical personnel or the public on the correct first-aid measures.

What is a PCN?

A Poison Centre Notification (PCN) is a mandatory submission under EU regulations for any chemical mixture classified as hazardous. By submitting a PCN for a dishwashing detergent, manufacturers and importers ensure that poison centers have detailed product information, including its composition, risk level, packaging details, and recommended first aid. This database is crucial for swift, accurate responses to accidental ingestion or contact with the product.

What is CLP?

The Classification, Labelling, and Packaging (CLP) regulation harmonizes the way chemicals are classified and labeled across EU member states. Dishwashing detergents meeting certain hazard criteria must display relevant hazard symbols, risk/precaution statements, and the UFI on their labels. This labeling helps consumers and emergency responders recognize potential risks and handle the product safely.

What is the Poison Centre?

The Poison Centre is a network of national poison centers that provides medical advice and urgent support in chemical exposure events. When manufacturers file a PCN for hazardous dishwashing detergents, these poison centers can quickly retrieve essential product data, improving the speed and precision of any required medical or first-aid intervention.

Why is This Needed?

Dishwashing detergents, especially concentrated formulas and single-dose capsules, can pose risks if accidentally ingested or if they come into contact with skin or eyes. A PCN guarantees poison centers have immediate access to the detergent’s hazard profile, reducing health risks and reinforcing compliance with EU safety regulations across all consumer and professional usage scenarios.

Since When is This by Law Obligatory?

Since January 1, 2021, any hazardous chemical mixture, including dishwashing detergents (unit-dose or otherwise), must be registered via a Poison Centre Notification in accordance with the EU’s CLP regulation. This unified approach helps maintain consistent safety and emergency response protocols in EU member states.

FAQ

Question: Do all dishwashing detergents require a PCN?

Answer: Only those detergents classified as hazardous under the CLP regulation need to file a PCN. Non-hazardous detergents do not require registration.

Question: Where should the UFI be located on the detergent’s label?

Answer: The UFI is generally printed near hazard symbols or safety warnings on the label, making it easily recognizable in emergency situations.

Question: What details are included in a PCN for dishwashing detergents?

Answer: A PCN submission should include the product’s chemical composition, hazard classification, usage instructions, packaging information, and recommended first aid measures. Poison centers rely on this data to respond effectively to accidental exposures.

Question: Who is responsible for submitting the PCN?

Answer: Typically, the manufacturer, importer, or distributor placing the hazardous product on the EU market must submit the PCN if the product meets the hazardous classification criteria.

Question: What are the consequences if a PCN is not submitted for a hazardous detergent?

Answer: Non-compliance may lead to legal penalties, such as fines or product recalls, or restrictions on marketing the product until all PCN obligations are met.

Question: Are single-dose “pod” detergents also subject to these regulations?

Answer: Yes. If single-dose detergents are classified as hazardous, they require a PCN under the same regulations as other detergent forms.

Question: When did these PCN requirements come into effect?

Answer: The PCN requirement has been mandatory since January 1, 2021, in line with the EU CLP regulation for all hazardous chemical mixtures.

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.