What Does a UFI Code on Sealant Mean? | AC Cable Solutions
TECHNICAL BLOG
What Does a UFI Code on Sealant Mean?
And why modern MEKO-free sealants such as GreyStuff and RedStuff are a smarter choice for duct sealing.
Seen a code like this on a sealant cartridge?
UFI: H688-G9R6-JR0T-S6Y4
It may look like a batch number, but it is actually a regulatory safety identifier linked to the chemical formulation inside the product.
What Is a UFI Code?
UFI stands for Unique Formula Identifier.
It is a 16-character code used across the UK and Europe for certain chemical mixtures classified as hazardous under chemical labelling regulations.
In simple terms:
A UFI links a physical product to the exact chemical formulation submitted for poison centre notification.
If someone is exposed to a hazardous chemical mixture through skin contact, eye contact, inhalation or accidental ingestion, medical professionals can use the UFI to identify the product formulation quickly.
Does Every Sealant Need a UFI?
No. A UFI is not required simply because a product is a sealant.
The requirement is linked to the final hazard classification of the mixture. If the product is classified as hazardous under CLP rules, a UFI may be required on the label.
Skin irritation
Eye irritation
Sensitisation
Harmful vapours
Why Some Sealants Carry UFI Codes
Many traditional neutral cure sealants use, or historically used, oxime cure chemistry. This often involved butanone oxime, also commonly known as MEKO.
MEKO-based sealants became common because they offered reliable curing performance. However, as chemical regulations have evolved, the industry has increasingly moved toward modern alternatives that avoid this legacy chemistry.
Important distinction
A UFI code does not automatically mean a product is unsuitable. It simply means the product falls within chemical safety rules requiring poison centre notification.
Why This Matters on Site
For contractors, consultants, utilities and infrastructure owners, sealant selection should not be based on sealing performance alone. The chemistry inside the cartridge matters too.
A hazardous classification can introduce additional considerations including:
- COSHH assessments
- PPE requirements
- Handling precautions
- Storage requirements
- Transport considerations
- Installer exposure management
- Additional documentation for project approval
GreyStuff & RedStuff: A Modern MEKO-Free Alternative
At AC Cable Solutions, our GreyStuff and RedStuff sealants have been developed specifically for demanding duct sealing applications.
Rather than relying on older MEKO-based oxime chemistry, GreyStuff and RedStuff use modern hybrid technology designed to give strong practical performance while remaining simple and installer-friendly.
GreyStuff & RedStuff are:
✓ MEKO-free
✓ Non-hazardous
✓ No mixing required
✓ Re-enterable
✓ Gas, water and fire resistant
✓ Manufactured in Britain
Traditional MEKO-Based Sealants vs GreyStuff & RedStuff
| Traditional MEKO-Based Sealants | GreyStuff & RedStuff |
|---|---|
| May require UFI marking depending on classification | Non-hazardous formulation |
| Often linked to older oxime cure chemistry | Modern MEKO-free hybrid technology |
| May introduce additional handling considerations | Simple, clean and installer-friendly |
| May increase documentation burden | Designed to simplify project approval |
Performance Without Compromise
Choosing a modern, non-hazardous sealant should not mean compromising performance.
GreyStuff and RedStuff are used within AC Cable Solutions duct sealing systems across demanding sectors including:
Water utilities
Electrical substations
Rail infrastructure
Data centres
Petrochemical sites
Hazardous areas
When used as part of the correct AC Cable Solutions system, GreyStuff and RedStuff help provide resistance against water ingress, gas migration, smoke spread and fire.
Questions Worth Asking Your Sealant Supplier
- Does this product require a UFI code?
- Is the sealant classified as hazardous?
- Does it contain MEKO or butanone oxime?
- Are additional COSHH controls required?
- Is there a modern, non-hazardous alternative?
- Has the product been designed specifically for duct sealing?
Final Thought
Not every UFI-marked product is a bad product, and not every product without a UFI is automatically better.
But understanding what a UFI code means gives specifiers, contractors and installers a better basis for choosing the right sealant.
The smarter question is not simply:
“Will this seal?”
The smarter question is:
“Is this still the best chemistry for the job?”
Looking for a Safer, Simpler Duct Sealing Solution?
GreyStuff and RedStuff are MEKO-free, non-hazardous sealants developed for demanding cable duct sealing applications.
Speak to AC Cable Solutions for technical advice, product guidance or project support.