Export notification procedure

Exporters based in an EU Member State have to notify their intentions to export certain chemicals to a non-EU country. This applies to the chemicals listed in Annex I to the PIC Regulation. Exporters have to notify the designated national authority of the country from which the export will originate before the first yearly export takes place, as well as before the first export in each subsequent calendar year.

Each export notification is assigned a unique identifier, called a reference identification number. This is used, for example, to facilitate customs control of the exports of chemicals listed in Annex I.

Content of the notification

The main elements of the data requirements for an export notification include:

  • Identity of the substance, mixture or article to be exported. Typically this is the EC number, CAS number and the chemical name as listed in the Regulation.
  • Information on the export, such as country of origin, country of destination, expected date of first yearly export, estimated amount to be exported, intended use in the country of destination, name and address of exporter and importer
  • Information on precautions to be taken
  • Summary of physico-chemical, toxicological and ecotoxicological properties
  • The uses of the chemical in the EU
  • Summary of regulatory restrictions and reasons for them

The full set of data requirements can be found in Annex II to the PIC Regulation.

The intention to export a chemical listed in Annex I must be notified at the latest according to the following schedule:

  • 35 days before the export is due to take place: Exporter must notify the designated national authority of the Member State in which he is located.
  • 25 days before the export is due to take place: The designated national authority validates the notification and forwards it to ECHA.
  • 15 days before the export is due to take place: ECHA sends the notification to the non-EU designated national authority in the importing country.