What is UFI?
If you buy a product that contains hazardous chemicals, you need to know the UFI code.
A UFI code is a 16-character code that you can find on the labels of certain products that may be harmful to your health. These range from cleaning products you use at home to chemicals used in professional or industrial settings.
UFI stands for Unique Formula Identifier. It creates a link between a product in your local store and its composition and toxicity information, which is sent to the European Poison Center.
UFI codes contain four blocks of numbers and letters, each separated by a hyphen. Before the code, you will always find the acronym "UFI".
From January 1, 2021, all new products that contain chemicals that are harmful to your health and are sold to consumers in the EU must have a UFI code. However, you may still sometimes find products in your local store without a UFI code, as these companies have until early 2025 to add the code to products already sold in the EU by 2021.
Why is UFI important?
If you or your family accidentally comes into contact with a product that contains harmful chemicals, in most cases, your first point of contact is a poison center or emergency medical services.
According to statistics collected by the European Poison Center, in about 40 percent of calls, poison centers have difficulty quickly and accurately identifying the product involved in the accident.
So, the idea of ??UFI code is simple. Because UFIs are linked to information about a product, its uses, ingredients, and toxicity, having a code on hand can make it easier and faster for poison center operators to recommend the correct treatment (if any) to you or your doctor, Or need to visit a hospital.
Where is the UFI found on the label?
Packaging comes in all shapes and sizes, which means UFIs aren't always in the exact same spot on every product label. However, UFIs should always be clearly visible on the product label on their trade or brand name or hazard information including warning symbols and advice on how to use the product safely.
The UFI may even appear on the product as a sticker, but in any case, the UFI should not appear on the bottom of the package.
Which products have UFI codes?
Some examples of products that may contain UFIs include:
Adhesives such as regular glue sticks or more specialized wall covering or floor adhesives;
Air care products from room deodorants to scented candles;
Art and craft supplies, such as finger or hobby paints;
Cleaning and maintenance products are suitable for both indoor areas such as kitchens or bathrooms, as well as outdoor areas such as patios or stone paths. Other specialty products include products for cleaning cars and footwear;
Laundry detergents, washing machine or dishwasher conditioners, and fabric softeners;
e-cigarette mixes：
Garden chemicals, such as plant fertilizers and pesticides;
fuels, such as barbecue lighter liquids and lamp fuels; and
Ink and toner for printers.
However, you won't find UFI codes on the labels of cosmetic or medicinal products such as hair dye, shampoos, or hair sprays, as they are regulated by different laws.
