UFI Codes Explained: What They Are and How to Generate One

If you sell chemical products like candles, wax melts, or reed diffusers in the UK, you may have come across the term UFI code. It stands for Unique Formula Identifier — a 16-character alphanumeric code that links your product to its exact formulation in a poison centre database.

This guide explains what UFI codes are, when they're required, and how to generate one. For the broader CLP labelling context, see our complete CLP labels guide and our step-by-step CLP labelling guide.

This covers GB requirements. EU UFI requirements differ in some details. This is not legal advice.

What Is a UFI Code?

A UFI (Unique Formula Identifier) is a unique code assigned to a specific product formulation. If someone is exposed to your product and contacts a poison centre, the UFI allows the centre to immediately look up the exact composition of the product and provide appropriate medical advice.

The UFI is part of the poison centres notification system introduced under Annex VIII of the CLP Regulation. It's designed to replace the previous system where poison centres had to contact manufacturers directly to find out what was in a product — a process that could take hours.

A UFI looks like this: E300-N0V3-C00K-ED92

It's generated from two inputs: your VAT number (or company key) and a formulation number you assign. The combination produces a unique code that maps to your specific formulation.

When You Need a UFI Code

Important — check the current GB position first: The GB implementation of UFI and poison centre notification requirements has had a complex timeline with transitional arrangements. The general CLP Regulation requires UFI codes on mixtures classified as hazardous for health or physical effects and supplied to consumers, but the specific GB deadlines have been subject to change. Always check the latest HSE guidance on CLP labelling for the current requirements before acting.

For UK craft sellers, the types of product likely to be affected include:

• Scented candles classified for health hazards (skin sensitisation, eye irritation)
• Wax melts with the same classifications
• Reed diffusers and room sprays (often classified for more severe health hazards due to higher fragrance concentrations)

How UFI Code Generation Works

UFI codes are generated using a specific algorithm defined in the CLP Regulation. You need two pieces of information:

1. A company key — typically derived from your VAT number. If you don't have a VAT number (most craft sellers below the £90,000 threshold won't), you can use a specific company key format.

2. A formulation number — a number you assign to each unique formulation. Formulation 1, formulation 2, etc. Each different recipe gets a different number.

The algorithm combines these two inputs to produce the 16-character UFI. The same inputs always produce the same UFI, so you can regenerate it if needed.

One UFI per formulation: If you change the recipe, you need a new formulation number and therefore a new UFI. If you sell the same recipe under different brand names, they share the same UFI.

Where the UFI Goes on Your Label

The UFI must appear on your CLP label. It can be placed:

• In the supplemental information section of the label
• Near the other CLP label elements
• Prefixed with "UFI:" followed by the code (e.g., "UFI: E300-N0V3-C00K-ED92")

The UFI must be clearly legible and indelible. It can be printed in any colour as long as it's readable.

The Poison Centre Notification

Generating the UFI is only half the process. You must also submit a notification to the relevant authority containing:

• The UFI
• Your complete formulation (exact ingredients and concentrations)
• Product identification (trade name, packaging description)
• Classification and labelling information
• Contact details for emergency enquiries

In the GB system, notifications are managed through the designated authority. Check the current HSE CLP guidance for the notification submission process.

Practical Considerations for Craft Sellers

Reformulations trigger new UFIs. If you change a fragrance oil, adjust a concentration, or switch any ingredient, the formulation is different and needs a new UFI. This is one reason to avoid constant reformulation — each change adds administrative overhead.

Multi-fragrance ranges. Each fragrance variant is typically a separate formulation requiring its own UFI, even if the base wax and fragrance load are identical. Different fragrance oils have different chemical compositions.

Record keeping. Maintain a register mapping each UFI to its formulation details. If a poison centre contacts you, you need to be able to quickly identify which exact recipe corresponds to a given UFI.

Cost: Generating a UFI is free — it's an algorithmic calculation, not a paid service. The cost is in the time and administration of maintaining formulation records and submitting notifications.

Sources

• Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 — CLP Regulation including Annex VIII (retained GB law)
• HSE — The GB CLP Regulation
• HSE — CLP Labelling and Packaging Requirements