How to choose the right EuPCS category

Direct answer: The EuPCS category describes what the product is for, not what it contains: for example "all-purpose cleaner", "paint for decorative use" or "windscreen washer fluid". Pick the most specific category that matches the product's intended use; choose the "other" category in a group only when nothing more specific fits.

Why it matters

Poison centres use the category to understand exposure scenarios quickly. Inspectors compare the category with the label. A wrong category is a warning, not a failure, but it is one of the more common ones.

How the system is built

Three levels: a main category (for example "cleaning and care products"), a sub-category and a specific product category. The notification requires the most specific level. Pesticides and biocidal products have their own branches.

Tips

• Multi-purpose products: pick the primary advertised use.
• Private label: use the same category as the supplier's notification for the same formulation.
• Professional versus consumer use is a separate field (use type), not part of the category.

PCN Ready suggests a category from the product name and SDS section 1.2 and lets you search the full list.