If you have ever looked closely at the label of a hazardous mixture — a cleaning product, an adhesive, or certain cosmetics that also fall under chemical rules — you may have spotted a short alphanumeric string printed near the hazard information. That is a UFI code, and for many products it is now a legal requirement. This guide explains what a Unique Formula Identifier is, when you need one, and how to generate a UFI for your mixture so your label and poison-centre notification line up correctly.
Key takeaways
- A UFI (Unique Formula Identifier) is a 16-character code that links a product label to its poison-centre notification.
- It is required for mixtures classified as hazardous that must be submitted via a Poison Centre Notification (PCN).
- The UFI is generated from your company VAT number (or a key) and a self-chosen formulation number.
- The same exact formulation must always carry the same UFI; a different formula needs a different UFI.
- The UFI must appear on the label and match the data in your PCN submission.
What is a UFI code?
The Unique Formula Identifier is a 16-character, machine-readable code that connects the precise composition of a hazardous mixture to its entry in the poison-centre system. In an emergency — say an accidental ingestion — a poison centre can read the UFI from the packaging and instantly retrieve the exact composition that was notified, allowing faster, safer medical advice. In short, the UFI is the bridge between what is on the shelf and what is in the database.
When do you actually need a UFI?
You need a UFI when your product is a mixture classified as hazardous for health or physical effects and therefore requires a Poison Centre Notification. Not every cosmetic needs one — but products that also fall under chemical (CLP) legislation often do. This is separate from the cosmetic-specific CPNP notification; some products require both. If you are unsure which rules apply to you, a short compliance review settles it quickly.
How to generate a UFI code
| Input | What it is |
|---|---|
| Company key / VAT number | Identifies your business in the official generator |
| Formulation number | A number you assign to each distinct formula |
| Official UFI generator | Produces the final 16-character code |
The UFI is created using the official generator provided by the authorities: you enter your VAT number (or an assigned company key) and a formulation number of your choosing, and the tool outputs the unique 16-character code. The logic is simple, but the discipline around it is where brands trip up — every distinct formula must map to its own formulation number, and that mapping has to be recorded and maintained.
Tip: Keep a master register linking each formulation number to its UFI and its PCN submission. When you have dozens of products, this register is what stops you accidentally reusing or duplicating codes.
Warning: The UFI on the label must exactly match the formulation notified in the PCN. If you change the composition beyond the allowed tolerances, you must assign a new UFI and update the notification — an out-of-date UFI is a compliance failure.
UFI, PCN and your label
Three things must stay in sync: the UFI code, the Poison Centre Notification, and the printed label. The PCN registers the composition; the UFI is generated for that composition; and the same UFI is printed on the pack so a poison centre can match the two. Break any link in that chain and the system cannot do its job.
Bringing it all together
A UFI code is a small string with a big role: it ties your hazardous mixture’s label to its poison-centre record so emergency responders can act fast. If your product needs a PCN, it needs a correctly generated UFI on the label, kept in step with the notified formula. Lexora’s UFI Code Generation service handles the generation and keeps your UFIs, PCN submissions and labels aligned — so your chemical compliance is right the first time.
Frequently asked questions
What does UFI stand for?
UFI stands for Unique Formula Identifier. It is a 16-character code that links the exact composition of a hazardous mixture to its poison-centre notification, so emergency services can retrieve the correct formulation if needed.
Do all cosmetics need a UFI code?
No. A UFI is only required for mixtures classified as hazardous that need a Poison Centre Notification under chemical (CLP) rules. Many standard cosmetics do not, but products that also fall under CLP often do. A compliance check confirms whether yours needs one.
How is a UFI code generated?
It is created with the official UFI generator using your company VAT number (or an assigned key) plus a formulation number you choose for each distinct formula. The generator outputs the final 16-character code, which then goes on the label and into the PCN.
Is a UFI the same as a CPNP notification?
No. The CPNP notification is the cosmetic-specific registration on the EU portal. The UFI belongs to the chemical (CLP) and poison-centre system. Some products require both a CPNP notification and a PCN with a UFI, depending on their classification.
Do I need a new UFI if I change my formula?
Yes, if the change goes beyond the permitted composition tolerances. A new or significantly altered formulation needs its own UFI and an updated poison-centre notification, and the label must be changed to show the new code.
