A new element will have to mandatory appear on the labels of some products: a 16-character code called “Unique Formula Identifier” (unique formula identifierUFI): from 1 January 2025 all products classified as dangerous and which present health risks or a danger to the safety of the person must necessarily report this code.
Starting this year, in fact, the obligation has been introduced for all domestic products classified as dangerous to health sold in Europe to allow rapid intervention by poison control centres. This code was already required from 2021 for new products placed on the market, while now the obligation also extends to those already on the market before 2021.
The UFI code is found on products considered dangerous due to possible health effects or physical effects under the EU Regulation on classification, labeling and packaging.
What is the UFI code and where is it found
The acronym “UFI” (the same in all EU languages and alphabets and not to be translated) is a 16-character alphanumeric code (preceded by the acronym “UFI”) divided into four blocks, each separated by a hyphen, which essentially groups together information on the product, its uses, its components and the degree of toxicity, in order to make it easier and faster for poison control center operators to recommend the right treatment.
Classified products are those that present a pictogram (a graphic symbol that conveys its meaning through its pictorial resemblance to a physical object, for example a flame) and which, if not used correctly, can be harmful to health.
