I have some important news to share with you regarding our shipping, particularly for deliveries to Northern Ireland.
I understand that this may come as disappointing news, but I want to ensure transparency and clarity about the changes I’m making and why they're necessary.
I've been aware of the Unique Formula Identifier (UFI) regulation for some time. However, it was only recently that I realised this rule also necessitates compliance from us makers, when distributing products to Northern Ireland, not just countries in the EU, NI left the EU, thats why its so surprising.
You might be wondering, what exactly is a UFI?
Imagine you have a favourite wax melt scent called " Lemon Sunshine"
Now, let's say the manufacturer of Lemon Sunshine assigns a UFI to this product.
The UFI might look something like this: "A1B2-C3D4-E5F6-G7H8."
This sequence of letters and numbers is unique to Lemon Sunshine and distinguishes it from other products and it must be on the CLP. (See example)
If, for any reason, there's a safety concern or regulatory enquiry related to this product, authorities can use the UFI to trace it back to its manufacturer, ensuring accountability and transparency in the supply chain.
In essence, UFIs play a vital role in product safety and regulatory compliance, providing peace of mind to consumers and regulators alike.
They enable seamless communication and collaboration across borders, ensuring that products meet stringent safety standards wherever they're sold.
United Kingdom, Scotland and Wales is exempt from UFI regulations. However, Northern Ireland doesn't share this exemption.
You might be scratching your head wondering, why Northern Ireland? As its part of the UK and frankly, it's a valid question.
The truth is, Northern Ireland's unique status as both part of the UK and sharing a border with the EU adds layers of complexity.
To honour EU regulations and adhere to the Northern Ireland Protocol, UFIs are mandated for products shipped into Northern Ireland.
Is this solely a government decision? While government regulations undoubtedly play a pivotal role, the situation is multifaceted.
The need for UFIs in Northern Ireland is intricately tied to political agreements, trade dynamics, and regulatory alignment post-Brexit.
As a result, small businesses find themselves grappling with the fallout and attempting to navigate a landscape fraught with complexity and uncertainty.
To add to the complexity, being based in the UK presents additional challenges.
In order to submit UFI dossiers to the Poison Centre Notification Portal (PCNP), we would need a PO Box in Northern Ireland. However, this seemingly simple solution comes with a hefty price tag—a cost that many small businesses simply can't afford.
As a small business owner, Daya's Essence isn't just a venture—it's my daughter's future nest egg. Over the years, I've poured my heart and soul into building this business, and I refuse to jeopardise everything by cutting corners or breaking the rules.
You see, complying and creating UFIs and creating dossiers isn't as simple as it may seem. It's a highly complex process that requires not only skill but also an in-depth understanding of regulatory standards. It's like needing a science degree just to navigate the systems!
Even for the most advanced individuals, it can prove to be a very difficult task, it's not like creating a CLP which is simple.
And let's not forget about the PO Box aspect—an additional layer of complexity that adds to the challenge.
Not only is it logistically cumbersome, but it's also prohibitively costly. For small businesses like mine, this expense can be overwhelming and may not be feasible without significant financial strain.
As a slight aside, I want to mention that I'm aware of potential changes to the NI Protocol/Windsor Agreement being considered by the NI government.
While the specifics remain uncertain, these changes could hold promise for the future of shipping to Northern Ireland, hopefully making Northern Ireland exempt from UFI.
Rest assured, if and when developments occur, I'll be sure to keep you informed through our Facebook Business page.
Unfortunately, it necessitates a difficult decision—I've had to temporarily suspend shipping to Northern Ireland.
I do hope you understand the complexity of this decision.
However, please be assured that if the NI government is successful in making changes to the NI Protocol/Windsor Agreement.
Therefore allowing me to ship our products to NI once again. I will immediately recommence shipping and send emails and make social media posts announcing that we are good to go.
Your support and patience mean the world to me.
Thank you for reading.