EXPERT ANALYSIS ACROSS A RANGE OF SECTORS

Legislation - Nickel

 

LEGISLATION - NICKEL

Restrictions on Nickel Release

All items which are to be sold in the EU which are intended to come into prolonged and direct contact with the skin must comply with Nickel legislation and not release Nickel above the permitted levels.

Compliance is particularly important for items intended to be inserted into the skin as items will pierce the skin and so nickel is more likely to leach into the body. This can cause irreversible Nickel sensitisation. Permitted limits for such items are extremely low.                                                           

Release rates for items intended to be inserted in the skin (post assemblies)

Release Level

Noncompliant when nickel release, µg/cm²/week is  

≥ 0.35

Compliant when nickel release, µg/cm²/week is       

< 0.35

 

Release rates for items not intended to be inserted in the skin

Release Level

Noncompliant when nickel release, µg/cm²/week is  

≥ 0.88

Compliant when nickel release, µg/cm²/week is       

< 0.88

 

What items does the Legislation apply to?

Nickel legislation applies to all items which are intended to come into prolonged and direct contact with the skin. The specific products cited in the EU regulations include:
•earrings
• necklaces, bracelets, chains, anklets and finger rings;
• wrist-watch cases, watch straps and tighteners;
• rivet buttons, tighteners, rivets, zippers and metal marks, contained in or intended to be used in garments.

This list is not exhaustive and suppliers should consider all items such as buckles for shoes and belts, handbag straps and handles, hair clips, ear pieces etc and assess whether or not the item, or any part of it will be in prolonged and direct contact with the skin during its normal, intended use.

 

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