With the approach of the January 1, 2025, deadline for Poison Centre Notifications (PCN), businesses must understand the distinct submission requirements across the EU, Great Britain (GB), and Northern Ireland (NI). This article addresses frequently asked questions regarding the differences in these requirements.

What are the main differences in submission requirements between the EU and GB/NI?

While both regions align in terms of the general objectives of the PCN regulations, the specifics of submission formats, deadlines, and bodies responsible for receiving notifications differ.

• EU: 

• Submissions are governed by the CLP Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, with guidelines set out in Annex VIII. Notifications must be submitted via the ECHA (European Chemicals Agency) portal, following harmonised templates and including the necessary information about the hazardous mixtures.

• Great Britain: 

• Following Brexit, GB operates under its own set of regulations. The UK has established the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) as the body responsible for receiving notifications. The submission requirements align closely with the EU but may have variations in specific formats or processes. 

• Notifications are voluntary submissions of the current SDS and are to be submitted via the UK's National Poisons Information Service (NPIS).

• Northern Ireland: 

• NI follows EU regulations and the CLP Regulation remains in effect due to the Northern Ireland Protocol. Thus, submissions must comply with EU requirements, and notifications are submitted to ECHA, similar to the broader EU requirements.

What is the deadline for submissions in each region?

The deadline for PCN submissions in both the EU and NI is January 1, 2025. In Northern Ireland, the same deadline applies due to adherence to EU regulations. Great Britain is a voluntary submission therefore no deadlines apply.

Are there different formats for submitting information?

Yes, the formats vary slightly between regions. The EU uses the ECHA portal for submissions, where a harmonised format is required. In contrast, as the NPIS, the receiving body for Northern Ireland, is not connected to the ECHA portal the IUCLID iz6. file is to be sent via email. Submissions in GB are also directed through the NPIS, which is a copy of the SDS.

How often do I need to update my submission?

All regions require that submissions be kept up-to-date. In the EU and Northern Ireland, updates must be made as soon as relevant information changes, such as modifications to composition or new toxicological data. In GB, similar obligations apply, where there have been any changes to the SDS it is recommended to send the new version to the NPIS.

What should I do if my mixture is sold in both the EU and GB/NI?

If your mixture is marketed in both regions, you must submit separate notifications that comply with each jurisdiction's requirements. Ensure that you are using the correct submission portal and formats for each region .

How can Yordas help?

Understanding the differences in Poison Centre submission requirements between the EU, Great Britain, and Northern Ireland is crucial for compliance as the deadline approaches. Businesses should take proactive steps to ensure their notifications are complete and up-to-date, utilising available resources to navigate the regulatory landscape effectively. Failure to comply with the respective obligations could lead to significant regulatory risks and safety concerns.

Contact us today to ensure you meet the deadline! Get in touch with our team today for more information and visit our website for insight into our Hazard Communication Services.

• Request a Free Consultation: Our experts can help you navigate the requirements and ensure compliance. Request a consultation today!

• Contact our Support Team: Have a specific question or need immediate assistance? Contact Phil Redshaw now.

About our experts

Fiona Moir
Managing Hazard Communication Consultant

Fiona Moir is the Managing Consultant for Hazard Communication at Yordas Group, responsible for overseeing strategic, commercial, and operational aspects of services such as SDS Manager and Hazard Communication services. With a background in bioscience and over a decade of experience in hazard communication, Fiona excels in setting strategic direction aligned with market needs. She leads product development and commercial management efforts, focusing on revenue growth and expanding Yordas' presence in the EHS sector. Fiona's leadership extends to team development and financial oversight, ensuring robust performance and sustainable business practices. Her expertise in regulatory standards, coupled with strong analytical and communication skills, drives innovation and business success within Yordas Group.

Nathan Town-Field
Senior Hazard Communication Consultant

Nathan Town-Field is a Senior Regulatory Consultant at Yordas, with a focus on global hazard communication. With six years of expertise in GHS and CLP classification and labelling of substances and mixtures, Nathan is well-versed in navigating the complex regulatory landscape surrounding chemical safety. A key responsibility for Nathan leading the team responsible for authoring Safety Data Sheets (SDS) to global standards, ensuring that they accurately communicate the hazards associated with chemicals and provide essential safety information to downstream users. Additionally, he is proficient in poison centre notification obligations, and as Yordas' lead eSDS author, Nathan plays a crucial role in extracting exposure scenarios from various sources.