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poision centre notification echa PCN ufi UFI CODE chemicals hazardous chemicals

As an importer of chemical products into the EU, understanding your obligations regarding
Poison Centre Notifications and UFI codes is crucial. So, today I've prepared a quick guide on key aspects you need to know to ensure compliance. Let's start with ... 

The importer's role in Poison Centre Notifications (PCNs) 

When importing chemical products into the EU, importers hold a significant responsibility. One of the most frequent questions we receive is about the information required for Poison Centre Notifications. Here's what you need to know: 

As an importer, you are responsible for submitting the Poison Centre Notification in the EU. To complete this process correctly, you need: 

  • Complete composition information from your supplier 

UFI codes and non-EU manufacturers 

An interesting question that often arises is whether non-EU manufacturers can generate and share their own UFI codes. The quick answer is yes - manufacturers from outside the EU can indeed generate UFI codes for their products. Here's what this means in practice: 

  • Non-EU manufacturers can generate UFI codes and submit voluntary PCNs (through an EU-based legal entity)  
  • They can share these UFI codes with their EU importers 
  • Importers can then use these UFI codes in their own Poison Centre Notifications 

Key considerations for importers 

To ensure compliance, you as importers should: 

  • obtain comprehensive composition information from your suppliers 
  • establish clear communication regarding valid UFI code (whether it will be placed on the label by the manufacturer or the importer) 
  • verify that the UFI code is correctly displayed on the product and included in the relevant documentation 

Why all this matters? 

Having the complete composition information and a valid UFI code is not just about regulatory compliance – it's about ensuring the safety of end-users and enabling emergency health responders to provide appropriate treatment in case of accidents. You can contact me at luka.rifelj@bens-consulting.eu, if you need help with your PCNs and don't have the time or energy to do yourself. 

Now to summarize what I wrote above... 

While non-EU manufacturers can generate UFI codes and submit voluntary PCNs through an EU-legal entity (eg. through consultancy companies such as ours), the ultimate responsibility for correct Poison Centre Notification lies with the importer. Clear communication with your supplier and obtaining all necessary information is key to successful compliance. 

Need more information about Poison Centre Notifications or UFI codes? You can either go down the rabbit hole using our PCN blog site with more tons of valuable information. Or you can contact me and we'll take of your PCNs in shortest time possible. 

Disclaimer:
Information on this blog is prepared with utmost care, but it is not about (chemical) consulting, and the provider does not assume any responsibility or liability for the correctness, accuracy and up-to-dateness of published content. If you need advice for a specific case, you can write to us at bojan.dimic@bens-consulting.eu
UFI / PCN | January 20, 2025

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