How to search for and add ingredients when you cannot locate a specific ingredient in the WERCSmart database

This article explains how to search for an ingredient in WERCSmart, including third-party ingredients and synonyms, and how to request that an ingredient or synonym be added.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Click any link below to navigate to that location within the article. 

• How to search for an ingredient
  • Step 1: Edit the product 
  • Step 2: Navigate to the Ingredients List 
  • Step 3: Search for the ingredient 
  • Where to find numerical identifiers (CAS/WPS)
• Search doesn't match name and CAS
  • Synonym Request
• Ingredient is not in the WERCSmart database
  • Third-party Ingredients
  • How to get a CAS ingredient added

How to search for an ingredient

You can search the WERCSmart ingredient database within a product registration. 

Step 1: Edit the product 

• Navigate to your Home Page by clicking the Home icon on the left-side navigation bar.
• Find the specific product in the table.
• Under the 'Actions' column, select the three dots.
  • Select Edit from the dropdown list.
    • Note: The option may also be Update Data or Update Required.
  • The product registration will open for editing.

Step 2: Navigate to the Ingredients List 

• Click on the second tab of the registration Product Characteristics.
• Click on Ingredients.

Step 3: Search for the ingredient 

• Use the search box that says, "Start typing a component name to search."
• Type either the name or the numerical identifier of the ingredient.
• Select the appropriate ingredient from the dropdown.

Where to find numerical identifiers (CAS/WPS)

Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) number 

• Every chemical ingredient should have a CAS number.
  • If a CAS number is not assigned, you may see 'NA' or 'RR' instead, which are generic labels.
• This can be found on the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the ingredient. 

WPS number

• Any ingredient registered by a Third-Party Formulator will have a WPS number. 
• The number will be 'WPS' followed by seven digits (e.g., WPS1234567). 
• For more information, see How do I add a Third Party Formulation to my product registration?

Search doesn't match name and CAS

When an ingredient shares the same CAS number as an ingredient in the database, but the name and/or the Public Name listed does not match the name on the Safety Data Sheet (SDS).

• We treat this as a synonym request because one ingredient (aka one CAS number) can have multiple names. 

Synonym Request

To have a synonym name added to a CAS, please Submit a Ticket to the Customer Support team and include the following information: 

• The CAS number.
• The current ingredient name, as shown in the database.
• The name to be added as a synonym.
• The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) if you have it.    

Customer Support will work with the Regulatory Team to process this request and will keep you informed on your request. 

Ingredient is not in the WERCSmart database

If a CAS or WPS number appears on an SDS but does not produce any results in the WERCSmart database, it is possible the formulation or ingredient may not have been added yet. 

Third-party Ingredients

These are ingredients from a third party or any ingredient mixture (contains 2 or more ingredients) whether a third party or your company formulates it. These are identified by a WPS number. 

Use the articles below to assist you in third-party ingredient registration: 

• How do I add a Third Party Formulation to my product registration?
• How do I create a Third Party Registration?

How to get a CAS ingredient added

Gather ingredient information 

• Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for that specific raw material. 
  • The SDS should only include the CAS number of the single ingredient in Section 3.
  • Note: If the SDS lists multiple ingredients or 'mixtures', you must register it as a Third-Party registration (see above). 
• If you do not have the raw material Safety Data Sheet (SDS), gather the following information:
  • The manufacturer of the ingredient.
  • The GHS classification for the ingredient.
  • The physical state of the ingredient (if it is a liquid, please also include the flash point).
  • The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) inventory status of the ingredient.
  • If available:
    • The Premanufacture Notice (PMN) or the EPA accession number (which will be used in WERCSmart as the CAS number for the ingredient.)

Send ingredient information to Customer Support

• Submit a Ticket with the above information.
  • Be sure to include the name of the ingredient you are requesting be added to the WERCSmart database. 
• Customer Support will work with the Regulatory Team to process this request.
  • During the review, we may provide you with a suitable, existing ingredient to select. 
  • Otherwise, we will inform you when the ingredient is available for selection in the database.