As a non-EU country, Switzerland has its own regulations regarding UFI. Due to their similarity with EU PCN notification requirements, Switzerland's UFI application and registration are often referred to as "Swiss PCN." Effective January 1, 2026, all other mixtures with physical or health hazards, biocidal products, fertilizers, and e-liquids in Switzerland will be required to provide a UFI. The "Swiss PCN" is based on legal entities within Switzerland.
The UFI is used to quickly identify the composition of mixtures, biocidal products, plant protection products, fertilizers, and e-liquids in emergency situations. This enables doctors at the Swiss Toxicological Information Centre (Tox Info Suisse) to recommend appropriate emergency or antidote measures when necessary.
Deadlines
In Switzerland, mixtures with physical and health hazards, biocidal products, plant protection products, fertilizers, and e-liquids are required to provide a UFI. The relevant deadlines are as follows:
- From January 1, 2022: Newly marketed mixtures, biocidal products, and fertilizers intended for private users.
- From January 1, 2022: Mixtures, biocidal products, and fertilizers already labeled with a UFI. This category particularly includes products imported from the European Economic Area (EEA), ensuring that the Toxicological Information Centre can quickly and reliably identify such products in emergencies.
- From January 1, 2026: All other mixtures with physical or health hazards, biocidal products, fertilizers, and e-liquids.
- From December 1, 2027: All plant protection products with physical or health hazards.
Once generated, the UFI must be registered in the Chemicals Product Register (RPC) and indicated on the product. The requirement to attach a UFI in Switzerland aligns with the provisions of Annex VIII of the EU CLP Regulation. Switzerland also references the CLP Regulation regarding UFI placement to minimize trade barriers as much as possible.
UFI Generation
- Products imported from EEA countries to Switzerland that are already labeled with a UFI: For products imported from the EU, the EU UFI is also valid in Switzerland and can be used for registration in the Swiss RPC.
- Products manufactured in Switzerland or imported from non-EEA countries and intended for partial export to EEA countries: For products partially exported to EEA countries, an EU UFI is required, which can also be used for sales and RPC registration of the product in Switzerland.
- Products initially intended solely for the Swiss market: A Swiss UFI must be generated using a Swiss VAT number. The UFI for mixtures must be registered in the RPC, while the UFI for biocidal products or fertilizers must be declared during the application process. The Swiss UFI can be generated on the following official website:
https://www.anmeldestelle.admin.ch/en/general-information-and-ufi-generator
Further Information
