One in Five Hazardous Products are not notified to Poison Centres in Europe
A Concerning Finding in the European Union
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) reported a troubling figure: 19% of the hazardous mixtures inspected were not notified to poison centres. The pilot enforcement project covered 18 EEA countries and assessed 1,597 products to check whether companies were meeting their legal duties.
This obligation is set out in the CLP Regulation, which requires companies placing certain hazardous mixtures on the market to submit detailed composition data to designated authorities. That information is then made available to poison centres so medical professionals can respond quickly and accurately in emergency situations. When notifications are missing, the quality and speed of medical treatment may be compromised.
The Role of the UFI in Emergency Response
The Unique Formula Identifier, or UFI, is a 16-character alphanumeric code designed to link a specific product to its submitted formulation data. In urgent cases, this code enables poison centres to identify the exact mixture involved. Yet inspectors found that 15% of the reviewed products did not display the required UFI on their labels. The absence of this code can delay identification and complicate medical decision-making.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Where breaches were identified, authorities applied a range of enforcement measures, including written advice, formal warnings, administrative orders and financial penalties. In some cases, criminal complaints were initiated. Several proceedings were still ongoing at the time of publication. Regulators emphasized that failure to comply with the CLP framework is not merely procedural; it represents a tangible risk to public health.
The duty to notify applies to mixtures classified for health hazards or physical dangers, such as corrosive, irritant or explosive products, as well as those capable of causing serious eye damage. Any company placing such products on the EU market must comply, regardless of size or turnover.
Legal Certainty and Brand Protection
Meeting notification requirements does more than safeguard consumers; it also shields businesses from regulatory disruption. Proper mandatory notification helps prevent fines, sales restrictions and reputational harm. It reinforces confidence in chemical safety and supports a transparent internal market across the European Union.
At Nordiik, we support companies in managing hazardous mixture notifications, verifying the correct use of the UFI and ensuring full compliance with the CLP Regulation. We help reduce legal exposure while simplifying complex technical procedures.
👉 Notify your products with Nordiik today and secure full compliance across the European Union.
Source: ECHA
