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New version of the free opesus UFI generator available

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We have released a new version of the opesus UFI Generator for SAP EHSM customers. With the new version, Unique Form Identifiers (UFI) can be generated and stored automatically in SAP EHSM.

Unique Formula Identifier (UFI)

As part of product notifications according to CLP Article 45, the UFI will gradually become mandatory from 2020 onwards. The UFI is a unique code generated by the manufacturer or importer. The UFI must be included in the notifications to the Poisons Centres and in the safety data sheet. Additionally, it must be printed on the label.

More information about the UFI can be found on the ECHA website.

New SAP property “Poison Centers Notification (EU)”

On May 18th, SAP released the new standard property called “Poison Centers Notification (EU)”. This property can be used to store the UFI. When using the new standard property, the UFI is thus stored on specification level.

Advantages of the opesus UFI Generator

The opesus UFI Generator contains a ruleset that generates valid UFIs and writes it into the new SAP property. Therefore, the process of data maintenance of UFIs can be largely automated.

All steps are carried out directly within SAP EHSM. There are no other web services to connect.

The ruleset can be configured by various parameters. You can tailor the process for creating UFIs accordingly to customer-specific needs – e.g. by using another property for storage.

How to get the opesus UFI Generator

The opesus UFI Generator is available to all SAP EHSM customers for free under the MIT license. You can request the UFI Generator via the contact form on this page. We will then send you the documentation and the software.

opesus Releases Free UFI Generator for SAP EHSM

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opesus just released opesus UFI Generator for SAP® EHSM. All SAP EHSM customers can download it for free under the MIT-License.

EU Poison Centre Notifications: New “UFI” Required by 2020

ECHA introduced a Unique Formula Identifier (UFI) that will be required for all hazardous mixtures placed on the EU market (CLP Article 45). Any hazardous mixture intended for consumer use must adopt this format by 2020. Products for professional use have a deadline of 2021; and products for industrial use must adopt UFI by 2024.

UFI’s are a unique code that is generated by the EU manufacturer or importer, registered with the Poison Centre and must be printed on the label. The UFI allows Poison Centres to accurately, effectively, and efficiently respond to inquiries.

Visit the ECHA website for more details, including a web-based UFI generator.

UFI Generator for SAP EHSM

The opesus UFI Generator automatically creates the UFI in SAP EHSM systems. The program is designed to save time and effort by integrating UFI generation directly into the SAP system.

Learn more and request your copy

ECHA releases draft of European XML-format for product notification

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In April 2016 ECHA released a preliminary draft of the European XML-format on harmonised product notification. The format is supposed to standardise the variety of formats and possibilities of product notification within the EU and to ease the situation of importers and producers of chemicals, biocides, cosmetics and detergents.

A first assessment of the draft:

Overview of the required tasks

  • Administrative data: Version of reporting format, reporting EU-member state, date and time of transmission
  • Information about the reporting company: company name, address, telephone number, E-Mail address and VAT
  • Contact information: name and telephone number for fast access on product information, name and number of the manufacturer of the product and name and number of the know how carrier of the formulation.
  • Information on mixture: aggregate condition, colour, relevance of pH value and pH value, Unique Formula Identifier (UFI), toxicological data, GHS classification, GHS labelling and the composition
  • Composition: composition is distinguished between substances, mixtures of substances and generic components. The concentration, be it exact or approximate, must be defined for all components. Furthermore, the classification of all components is to be stated. Substances need to be identified by their chemical name, CAS, EC and index number. Mixtures are to be specified by name, UFI and company data. Fragrances and colorants can be specified as generic components.
  • Product details: Several products can be reported per formula. There must be stated: trade name, intended use (one to three options – end consumer, industrial, professional), product category as defined by new categorization and information about package size and packaging type. It is also possible to state any identifiers of the product such as product number, EAN-Code, etc as further identifiers. As an option, safety data sheets for each product and language can be transferred as attachment of the notification.

Comparison to the BfR-format, currently used in Germany

Compared to the XML-Format of the Federal Institute for risk assessment (BfR, Bundesamt für Risikobewertung), which already electronically transfers product notifications in Germany, the required indications are very similar.  Following differences can be mentioned:

Unique Formula Identifier (UFI)

Mixtures will include an UFI Code that links them to their ingredients. This code must be displayed at the product label. The UFI changes with the wording. Companies create this code with an UFI generator. The UFI Code solves the problem of an (unknown) mixture within a composition. It is not necessary to know the exact composition of the mixture of the supplier of the notification. The UFI of the mixture is sufficient. In contrary, the BfR-format requires the exact composition.

One mixture – many products

The EU-format data model permits notification on several products regarding the same mixture. This resembles very closely the common data models and suits the SAP EHSM data model very well. In the standard data model, mixture corresponds to real substance and products correspond to the materials assigned.  Das Gemisch entspricht im Standarddatenmodell dem Realstoff, die Produkte den zugeordneten Materialien. With BfR-format, the product name is leading. This is why information about mixture is reported repeatedly for products of the mixture when the product names vary.

Company identification

Identification of the company is based on value added tax ID. The Federal institute of risk assessment (BfR) identifies producers or placing on the market by BfR-company code.

Categorisation of products

The new system for product categorisation, which is expected to be available end of 2017, allows the EU to identify a statistical analysis of incidents possibly needing risk minimization measures. The product classification complies with use categories of BfR-Format.

Further information on harmonisation:

No central data base

Notifications must be submitted to national authorities since there will be no central European database.

Language

The language used will be the official language of the reporting country or, if accepted, English.

Existing notifications remain valid

Existing notifications remain valid until 2025 in so far as there are no significant changes in composition.

Time schedule

The EU-format has been published as preliminary draft in April 2016. The realization of the appropriate CLP regulations and the publication of the final format are planned for the years 2016 and 2017. Also, the provision of the UFI generator and the new product categorisation system is to be expected until end of 2017.

Solution for all customers of SAP EHS Management

opesus EHS Product Notification (EPN) will support the upcoming EU XML and represents a comfortable and reliable way to allow customers of SAP EHS Management fulfil their reporting obligations. EPN is the preferred software solution of  SAP EHS Management customers for reporting notifications in Germany and Switzerland.

Link Poison Centers:  https://poisoncentres.echa.europa.eu

European Harmonization of Product Notification

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Speaking at the 6. BfR user conference, Dr. Roberto Scazzola from the European Commission (DG GROW) revealed the current status of the European Harmonization of Product Notification. You can find the presentation here and some of the key messages below.

The legal foundations for the notification of formulations are mostly enactments of different European legislation and oblige importers and producers of chemicals, biocides, cosmetics and detergents in European countries to notify their products to authorities in that country.

Key Elements

  • Timeline
    The European XML format with a basic web application will be available December 2015.  However, the UFI generator and the new product categorization system, which are part of the notification, will only be delivered end of 2016.
  • No central database
    Notifications have to be submitted to each country individually. There will be no central European database. The submission language has to be the official language of the country, or – if accepted – English.
  • Unique Formula Identifier (UFI)
    A notification will include a UFI code which links the mixture with its composition and has to be printed on the label of the product. The UFI changes with the formula. Companies create their UFI codes with the UFI generator.
  • Different component types
    The new XML format includes three different component types: substances, mixtures and generic components. The UFI code provides a solution for a (unknown) mixture in the composition. It is not necessary to know the exact formulation from your supplier for Notification, the UFI for the mixture in the mixture is sufficient. Also the use of generic components for fragrances and coloring agents is possible.
  • New product categorization
    The new product categorization system enables an EU wide statistical analysis of incidents to identify where risk reduction measures may be needed.
  • Limited Submissions
    A limited submission for mixtures will be possible for industrial use only. In that case the information of the SDS is sufficient, but a contact information with 24/7 access has to be provided.
  • Notifications already made remain valid
    Notifications already made remain valid until 2025, unless there is a major change in the formula.
  • opesus EHS Product Notification (EPN) will support the upcoming European XML and will be a convenient and reliable way for customers of SAP EHSM to fulfill their notification duties. EPN is the preferred software tool for customers of SAP EHSM to notify formulations in Germany and Switzerland.