PCN & UFI for Windscreen Washer Fluids

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 Windscreen/Windshield Wash Fluid

Windscreen/windshield wash fluid is added to a vehicle’s reservoir so that, when sprayed onto the windscreen by the wipers, it helps remove dirt, bugs, and grime. These fluids often contain solvents, alcohols, and detergents that can pose health or environmental risks if misused. If the fluid is classified as hazardous under EU regulations, a Poison Centre Notification (PCN) is required. By submitting a PCN, manufacturers and distributors ensure poison centers have prompt access to key product data, enabling a swift response in case of accidental exposure.

UFI (Unique Formula Identifier)

The Unique Formula Identifier (UFI) is a 16-character alphanumeric code assigned to a hazardous product’s specific formulation. For windscreen/windshield wash fluid, the UFI must be featured on the product label, typically near any hazard warnings or safety instructions. In an emergency, poison centers use the UFI to identify the product quickly and advise on the best course of action.

PCN (Poison Centre Notification)

A Poison Centre Notification (PCN) is a regulatory requirement under EU law for any chemical mixture deemed hazardous. By submitting a PCN for windscreen/windshield wash fluid, manufacturers and distributors provide poison centers with details about the product’s composition, hazard classification, usage instructions, and relevant first-aid measures. This centralized information ensures more efficient handling of exposure incidents.

CLP (Classification, Labelling, and Packaging)

The Classification, Labelling, and Packaging (CLP) regulation defines how chemicals are classified and labeled throughout the EU. Hazardous wash fluids must display appropriate hazard symbols, safety statements, and the UFI on their labels. This labeling helps users identify potential risks and apply safe handling practices.

The Poison Centre

The Poison Centre is a network of national poison centers that offers urgent medical advice when chemical exposure occurs. Filing a PCN guarantees that these centers can access product data instantly, guiding healthcare professionals to deliver accurate assistance if someone is accidentally exposed to the wash fluid.

Why Is This Needed?

Windscreen/windshield wash fluids can contain chemicals like methanol or ethylene glycol, which can be dangerous if ingested or mishandled. Providing a PCN ensures that poison centers know the fluid’s composition, improving the speed and precision of medical or first-aid instructions when necessary.

Since When Is This by Law Obligatory?

Since January 1, 2021, any chemical mixture meeting the EU’s hazardous criteria, including certain windscreen/windshield wash fluids, must be registered via a Poison Centre Notification. This regulation enhances consumer safety and aligns emergency protocols across EU member states.

FAQ

Question: Do all windscreen/windshield wash fluids need a PCN?

Answer: Only those classified as hazardous under CLP regulations require a PCN. Non-hazardous fluids do not need registration.

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

Answer: The UFI is typically placed near hazard symbols or safety warnings, ensuring quick access in emergencies.

Question: What details are included in a PCN for wash fluids?

Answer: A PCN submission should provide data about the fluid’s chemical composition, classification, packaging, usage instructions, and recommended first-aid measures.

Question: Are professional or industrial wash fluids also covered by these rules?

Answer: Yes. If a product is classified as hazardous under CLP, it requires a PCN submission regardless of its intended user base.

Question: Who is responsible for submitting the PCN?

Answer: The manufacturer, importer, or distributor placing the hazardous product on the EU market must handle PCN submissions.

Question: What happens if a company fails to file a PCN?

Answer: Non-compliance can result in legal penalties, such as fines or restrictions on selling the product within EU markets until the PCN is submitted.

Question: When did the PCN requirement become mandatory?

Answer: The obligation took effect on January 1, 2021, for all hazardous chemical mixtures under EU CLP regulations.

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.