European Community number

European Community number (EC number) is a unique seven-digit identifier that is assigned to chemical substances for regulatory purposes within the European Union (EU). The EC number, also known as an EINECS number when referring to substances registered under the European Inventory of Existing Commercial Chemical Substances (EINECS), is a key component of the EU's system for identifying and regulating chemicals. This system is designed to ensure the safe manufacture, import, and use of chemical substances within the EU.

Overview

The EC number serves as a means to uniquely identify chemical substances under EU legislation. It is used across various regulatory frameworks, including the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) Regulation, and the Classification, Labelling, and Packaging (CLP) Regulation. The EC number is essential for companies that manufacture or import chemicals into the EU, as it is required for compliance with regulatory obligations such as safety data sheet (SDS) preparation and substance registration.

Structure

The EC number is formatted as XXX-XXX-X, where each 'X' represents a digit. The structure of the EC number is designed to provide a systematic way of identifying chemical substances. The first three digits (XXX-) represent the substance serial number, the next three digits (-XXX-) denote the substance check number, and the final digit (-X) is a check digit used for validation purposes.

Types of EC Numbers

There are several types of EC numbers, each serving a specific purpose within the EU's chemical regulatory framework:

• EINECS Numbers: Assigned to substances that were on the EU market before September 18, 1981. These numbers are part of the European Inventory of Existing Commercial Chemical Substances (EINECS).
• ELINCS Numbers: Assigned to new chemical substances introduced to the EU market after September 18, 1981, and before the implementation of REACH. These numbers are part of the European List of Notified Chemical Substances (ELINCS).
• NLP Numbers: Assigned to substances that were notified under the Dangerous Substances Directive (Directive 67/548/EEC) as "No-Longer Polymers."

Importance

The EC number is crucial for the identification and regulation of chemical substances within the EU. It facilitates the tracking, monitoring, and control of chemicals to ensure public health and environmental safety. The EC number is also important for international trade, as it is recognized globally and often required for the import and export of chemicals.

Regulatory Use

The EC number is used in various regulatory documents and processes, including:

• Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
• Chemical registration dossiers under REACH
• Notifications under the CLP Regulation
• Permit applications for the use of hazardous substances

See Also

• Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH)
• Classification, Labelling, and Packaging (CLP) Regulation
• European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
• Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
• Hazardous Substances Directive