Modified on: 19/05/2023
Liquids for electronic cigarette and UFI code – unique formula identifier
From 1st of January 2020 there has been an important change for e liquid: on the label of most of these products it is mandatory to show the UFI code. The acronym UFI means Unique Formula Identifier.
This provision is valid both for all EEA countries, those of the European Community plus Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland.
But what is the UFI code and why is it necessary to put it on the label of some substances?
UFI code: what it is and what it is for
The UFI is a 16-character alphanumeric code, which must be affixed to the label of products that contain dangerous mixtures. Substances that require the UFI code must be registered with Poison Centers Notification (PCN).
The creation of the UFI code is up to the producers, who must use the website of the poison centers of ECHA (European Chemicals Agency), their VAT number and the specific formulation number for the mixture. If you need to access the UFI code generator click here!
Once companies have created the UFI, they must put the code on the labels, in a clear and visible way. If the products do not have a label, it is mandatory to indicate the UFI code on the safety data sheet.
All the mixtures that, on the label or on the safety data sheet, share the same Unique Formula Identifier must have the same composition. It is also necessary to provide precise information to the PCN Here you have which ones:
- Trade name of the mixture
- Composition of the product (which must also be indicated on the label)
- Mix color
- Type of packaging
- Product category
- Toxicological information
But why do Poison Centers need all this data?
The answer is the purpose of the UFI: the code and other information provided by the companies are used by poison centers during emergency calls in case of problems (for example ingestion or contact) with the substance. The UFI code printed on the label and product name can be read directly to the poison center’s operators.
In this way, operators can promptly give an adequate medical response to the problem, so that anyone who has had an accident with the toxic substance can solve it as soon as possible.
As we have anticipated, some e liquid UK need the UFI code on the label.
Read also: Is CBD legal in Italy? Here is where things stand
Which E-Cig Liquids Need UFI Code Registration?
The CLP Regulation n. 1272/2008 is a European classification system relating to the classification, packaging and labeling of chemical substances and mixtures.
This regulation identifies toxic, dangerous for aquatic organisms or flammable substances and much more. In table 3.1 of Annex VI of the CLP regulation we also find nicotine.
This substance is classified in the following ways:
- Acute Tox. 1 H310: Lethal in contact with skin.
- Acute Tox. 3 H301: Toxic if ingested (Minimum classification, depends on the concentrations of the substance).
- Aquatic Chronic 2 H411: Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
Let’s examine the wording “Toxic if swallowed”: nicotine is toxic if ingested (it means that there is a risk of intoxication) in concentrations between 1 and 2%, while it is harmful if ingested in concentrations between 0.15 and 1%.
For this reason, from the 1st of January 2020, all vape liquid with nicotine concentrations above 1.5 mg / ml must have the UFI code on the label. E cig Liquid that exceed these quantities and is not labeled with the UFI code is outlawed.
All liquids without nicotine and e liquid concentrates are not included in this category (or with concentrations below 1.5 mg / ml), but only e cigarette nicotine liquid.
Read also: Liquid for electronic cigarette with THC: why it is illegal and what risks it involves using it
E-cigarette liquids: with or without nicotine?
The choice of an E cig liquid with or without nicotine depends just on your needs. Those who use the electronic cigarette to quit smoking tend to choose liquid nicotine, while non-smokers choose them without nicotine.
There are some non-smokers who want a greater HIT, or hit in the throat, while vaping and think they can only get it by adding nicotine concentrations to the E cigarette Liquid. Actually, this is not the case: it is possible to obtain a more powerful HIT also by choosing a neutral base with higher percentages of Propylene Glycol than those of Vegetable Glycerin (for example by choosing a 70/30 ratio).
Do you know that on Terpy you can choose to buy e liquid flavours, nic shots and e liquid base or buy your ready e liquids with the nicotine dosages you want?
For example, you can decide the PG / VG concentrations of the neutral base, choose the presence or absence of liquid nicotine (and possibly in which percentages) and the flavours. Also, if you need advice on this, you can contact us and we will answer all your questions.
So what are you waiting for? Click here and choose the best ingredients for electronic cigarette liquids now and create the perfect liquid for your need!