Understanding UFI Numbers & CLP Labels – A Guide for Candle Makers

If you're making candles, wax melts or reed diffusers to sell in Ireland or elsewhere in the EU, you've probably heard terms like CLP, UFI and Poison Centre Notification (PCN).

These regulations can seem confusing at first, but they are an important part of selling fragrance products legally and safely.

This guide explains the basics and points you towards the official guidance from ECHA and the Health and Safety Authority (HSA).

What is a UFI?

A Unique Formula Identifier (UFI) is a 16-character code that links a hazardous chemical mixture to information held by European Poison Centres.

If someone is accidentally exposed to a hazardous product, medical professionals can use the UFI to quickly identify exactly what chemicals are inside.

Does my candle need a UFI?

Usually yes, if your finished candle is classified as hazardous under the CLP Regulation.

When you purchase fragrance oil from Irish Candle Supplies, you are buying one ingredient.

Once you mix that fragrance oil with:

• Soy wax
• Rapeseed wax
• Paraffin wax
• Coconut wax
• Other ingredients

you have created a new chemical mixture.

You become the manufacturer of that finished product.

If that finished product is classified as hazardous, you are responsible for:

• creating your own UFI
• submitting a Poison Centre Notification (PCN)
• applying the correct CLP label

The UFI supplied for a fragrance oil cannot be copied onto your finished candle or reed diffuser, because it only relates to the original fragrance oil supplied by the manufacturer.

I only use 8–10% fragrance oil. Do I still need a UFI?

Many candle makers use fragrance loads of between 8% and 10%.

Whether a UFI and PCN are required does not depend on the fragrance percentage alone.

Instead, it depends on whether your finished candle or diffuser is classified as hazardous under CLP after all ingredients have been considered.

Many scented candles and reed diffusers are classified because of ingredients that are hazardous to the aquatic environment and/or skin sensitisation, but every formulation should be assessed individually.

What is a CLP label?

CLP stands for:

Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008

A CLP label informs customers about any hazards associated with your finished product.

Depending on your formulation, your label may include:

• Hazard pictograms
• Signal word (Warning or Danger)
• Hazard statements (H Statements)
• Precautionary statements (P Statements)
• Supplemental information (EUH statements)
• Supplier details
• Product identifier
• UFI (where required)

What else do candle makers need?

Most candle makers selling scented products in the EU should also consider:

• CLP classification
• Poison Centre Notification (PCN)
• UFI generation
• Safety Data Sheets (where required)
• Candle safety labels (EN 15494)
• Fire safety requirements
• General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR)

Where can I find official guidance?

The best sources of information are:

European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)

ECHA provides comprehensive guidance on:

• UFI generation
• Poison Centre Notifications
• CLP labelling
• Candle compliance

ECHA Poison Centres Portal

Health and Safety Authority (Ireland)

The Irish HSA provides guidance specifically for businesses selling candles and reed diffusers in Ireland.

HSA – Obligations of EU Candle & Reed Diffuser Producers

How Irish Candle Supplies can help

We supply:

• Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
• IFRA Certificates
• Allergen information
• UFI information where applicable for our fragrance oils

These documents are designed to help you classify your own finished products.

Please remember that once you manufacture a scented candle, wax melt or reed diffuser, you become responsible for ensuring your finished product complies with all applicable legislation.

Disclaimer

This guide is intended as general information only and should not be taken as legal advice. Every formulation is different and it is the responsibility of the manufacturer of the finished product to ensure compliance with the CLP Regulation, REACH and any other applicable legislation.