UFI Codes and Imported Mixtures: Clarification of EU Importer Responsibilities.

Recent clarifications have been published regarding the management of the Unique Formula Identifier (UFI) for hazardous mixtures imported from non-EU countries.

The clarification focuses in particular on the correct allocation of responsibilities among the different parties involved in the international supply chain and, specifically, on the role of the importer established within the European Union.

UFI: The Role of the European Importer

For hazardous mixtures subject to notification requirements to Poison Centres, the UFI makes it possible to uniquely link a product to its notified composition, allowing the mixture to be rapidly identified in the event of an emergency. In the case of products supplied by non-EU manufacturers, responsibility for the obligations applicable to placing the product on the European market lies with the importer established in the European Union, in accordance with the applicable legislation. Particular attention should therefore be paid to the correct management of the UFI and to ensuring that it corresponds to the relevant mixture and notification.

What Should Companies Importing Mixtures Check?

The recent clarifications do not introduce new regulatory obligations, but they help define the roles of the parties involved more precisely.

Companies importing hazardous mixtures from non-EU countries should therefore verify:

• the correct management and assignment of UFIs;


• the correspondence between the UFI, the product and the mixture composition;


• the responsibilities agreed upon with the non-EU supplier;


• the correct submission of notifications to Poison Centres;


• the compliance of product labelling before the product is placed on the European market.

Non-EU suppliers can provide the importer with the information required to manage these obligations correctly. However, it is essential that the roles and responsibilities throughout the supply chain are clearly defined.

An Important Aspect of Product Compliance

The clarification is an important reminder for all companies importing chemical products and hazardous mixtures from non-EU countries. Companies should therefore regularly check that their internal procedures relating to CLP classification, labelling, UFI management and Poison Centre Notifications (PCN) are up to date and consistent with the applicable requirements. Proper management of these aspects helps reduce the risk of non-compliance and ensures greater safety in the handling and marketing of hazardous mixtures within the European Union.

Bio Chem Srl continuously monitors regulatory developments concerning chemical products and supports companies in managing compliance and product safety requirements.

Link e fonti:

ECHA | Guidance on Annex VIII to CLP. 

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