1.1. Product identifier
Overview
The product identifier must match exactly with that shown on the label and be provided according to Article 18(2) of CLP Regulation for substances or Article 18(3)(a) for mixtures.
Section 1 of a GHS safety data sheet must contain the identity of the product, its intended uses and the contact details for the manufacturer or supplier who marketed the product.
Critical Verification Steps
Before you allow anyone to use the substance or mixture you should check that the product name provided in subsection 1.1 of the safety data sheet matches - exactly - the name provided on the label on the product's container.
If the name doesn't match - or you have any other doubts about the product (i.e. the product colour doesn't match the physical characteristics detailed in Section 9) then you must immediately contact the manufacturer or supplier to clarify the details before you allow anything to be done with the substance(s).
For pure substances:
The product name provided on the SDS will be chemical name(s) of the hazardous substance (e.g. Orthophosphoric acid). Substances which are more complex will have more chemicals, which may begin to cause confusion.
In such cases, the manufacturer or supplier will provide other identifiers - such as acronyms or synonyms (abbreviations and alternative names, respectively).
For mixtures:
The product name provided on the SDS will be the trade name (e.g. Phosphoric acid).
If the product is a pure substance then the manufacturer or supplier must also include at least an identification number in subsection 1.1. They may provide the CAS number, the EC number or the Index number.
Requirements for Substances
For substances, the product identifier must include at least one of the following in order of preference:
- Name and identification number as given in Part 3 of Annex VI to CLP
- If not in Annex VI, a name and identification number from the C&L Inventory
- CAS number and IUPAC name
- If CAS number is not available, the IUPAC name alone
Required Identifiers
- REACH registration number (if applicable)
- EC number (if available)
- CAS number (if available)
- Chemical name
- Index number (if listed in Annex VI)
- Molecular and structural formula (if applicable)
Requirements for Mixtures
For mixtures, the product identifier must include:
- Trade name or designation
- Unique Formula Identifier (UFI) when required
- Identity of all substances contributing to classification
New Requirements (2023)
- Nanoform characteristics must be specified if applicable
- Specific concentration limits, M-factors and ATEs must be declared
- UFI codes are mandatory for hazardous mixtures
- Endocrine disrupting properties must be indicated
UFI Requirements
The Unique Formula Identifier is mandatory for:
- Consumer use: since January 1, 2021
- Professional use: since January 1, 2021
- Industrial use: from January 1, 2024