Poison Centre Notifications Services (PCN)

What Are Poison Centre Notifications?

Poison Centre Notifications (PCN) are mandatory regulatory submissions required before placing hazardous chemical products on the European market. When dealing with hazardous substances and products containing Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) classified ingredients and mixtures, a declaration to poison control centers is required before you place the product on the market in Europe.

Taobé can help you, your importer, or distributor with the different steps necessary on the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) submission portal.

Explore Our Other Services

Our process for Poison Centre Notifications (PCN)

Step 1: Generate a Unique Formula Identifier (UFI)

Every mixture or finished product must have a Unique Formula Identifier (UFI). This code must appear on both the Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and the product label.

Step 2: Set up access to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) portal

Your importer or distributor must have an ECHA account and access to the International Uniform Chemical Information Database (IUCLID) cloud services. This account will be connected to Taobé’s ECHA account to enable submission.

Step 3: Finalize your compliant product label

Once your final product label includes all required information, including the UFI, Taobé can complete the PCN submission using your importer or distributor’s ECHA account.

What’s needed for a smooth PCN submission

To avoid delays and ensure full compliance, you will need the following:

A compliant cosmetic or chemical formula :

Unsure about compliance? Taobé offers a Formula Check service to validate your formulation against market-specific regulations.

A compliant Safety Data Sheet (SDS) following Regulation (EU) 2020/878 :

Your CLP Safety Data Sheet (SDS) must comply with Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulations and follow the EU Regulation 2020/878 format. Taobé can assist you through a qualified partner to draft or update this document.

Supporting technical documentation

You will need to provide:

Unique Formula Identifier (UFI)
CLP-compliant Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Allergen Report
International Fragrance Association (IFRA) Certificate (if applicable)

Missing something? Taobé can coordinate the creation of these documents via trusted partners.

A CLP-compliant product label

Your finished product or mixture label must include:

UFI code
Appropriate hazard pictograms
Signal word
Hazard and precautionary statements
Other mandatory Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) elements

Taobé offers a Label & Claims Check service to ensure everything is in line with regulatory requirements.

Access to the importer’s or distributor’s ECHA account

To submit the PCN, Taobé must have access to your importer or distributor’s ECHA portal.

If your partner does not yet have an ECHA account, Taobé can guide them through the process with a clear, step-by-step account setup guide.

A list of target markets

Submission requirements vary by country. Some markets use the ECHA centralized portal, while others require submission through national systems. Costs, language requirements, and formats may differ.

Taobé helps you navigate these differences and ensures proper translation of SDS and labels where required.

Our product compliance services :

MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) creation

Expert preparation of CLP-compliant safety data sheets for products lacking supplier documentation, ensuring EU and UK regulatory compliance.

Formula review and label check

Comprehensive ingredient analysis and concentration assessment to verify regulatory compliance and determine correct product classification for UK and EU markets.

Authorised Representative services

Dedicated regulatory representative services for UK and EU markets, handling inspections, consumer complaints, and compliance record maintenance.

Compliance for scented candles and air fresheners

Specialized end-to-end compliance services for room fragrance products, covering classification, labelling, SDS creation, and market readiness requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Poison Center Notification (PCN)?

PCN is a notification process where companies report information about hazardous mixtures to a centralised European poison centre database. This system helps poison centres provide better emergency response when incidents occur with chemical products.

Who needs to submit PCN notifications?

PCN notifications need to be submitted by importers and downstream users placing mixtures classified for human health or physical hazards on the market. The obligation covers mixtures for consumer, professional and industrial use.nication.

What is a UFI and why do I need it?

A Unique Formula Identifier (UFI) is a mandatory 16-character code that links your product to its PCN notification. The UFI must appear on both your product label and Safety Data Sheet. Without a UFI, you cannot complete the PCN notification process.

When are the PCN deadlines?

By 1 January 2025, a submission must be made for all mixtures on the market according to the harmonised Annex VIII requirements in CLP regulation. Different deadlines applied for consumer, professional, and industrial use products, but the transition period has now ended.

Do I need to update my PCN if my formula changes?

Yes, any change to your mixture composition requires a new UFI and updated PCN notification. Even minor formula modifications necessitate a complete resubmission to maintain compliance.

Which countries require PCN notifications?

PCN applies to all EU member states, though some countries use the centralised ECHA system whilst others maintain separate national systems. Documentation may require translation into local languages depending on your target markets.

How long does the PCN process take?

The timeline depends on formula complexity and documentation readiness. With all required documents prepared, submission typically takes 2-4 weeks. However, preparing compliant documentation and obtaining UFIs can extend the process significantly.

What happens if I don't submit a PCN?

Non-compliance with PCN requirements means you cannot legally place your hazardous mixture on the EU market. This can result in product recalls, market access restrictions, and potential regulatory penalties.

Can I use the same UFI for different markets?

Each unique mixture formula requires its own UFI, regardless of market. However, you can use the same UFI across different EU countries for identical formulations.

What information is included in a PCN submission?

PCN submissions include mixture identification, UFI code, product categorisation according to the EU PCS system, hazard information, packaging details, and toxicological data. The exact requirements depend on your product’s intended use and classification.

Let Taobé manage your PCN from start to finish

From regulatory checks and technical documentation to submission via the ECHA portal, Taobé offers a full-service solution for Poison Centre Notifications (PCN). Contact us today to start your notification process with expert support.

Get In Touch