RAPEX, the EU Rapid alert system for dangerous non-food consumer products, has recently revealed a number of jewellery items that were withdrawn from the EU marketplace as they did not comply with the Reach Regulations concerning Nickel Release.

EU Authorities regularly check the market place to identify potentially unsafe products. In recent weeks they have discovered a number of unsafe items which they have subsequently withdrawn from the EU market place as a result of the items releasing Nickel above the permitted levels. One nose stud actually released Nickel at a level of 54.7 ?g/cm²/week an article, far exceeding the legally allowed limit. What are the Nickel Release limits? 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 -                                                         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. 

Nickel Release testing at The Laboratory at The Birmingham Assay Office The Laboratory at Assay Office Birmingham offers a unique UKAS Accredited Quick Nickel Release test (2011) and UKAS accredited Full Nickel Release test (EN 1811:2011) to check if items comply with the Nickel regulations. EN 16128:2011 is also offered for testing spectacle frames. The Quick Nickel Release (2011) test is a UKAS accredited test, unique to The Laboratory at Assay Office Birmingham, it is quicker and cheaper than the full Nickel Release reference test and has been validated by significant data and approved by most UK fashion and jewellery retailers. In the majority of cases (more than 98.8%), passing the ‘Quick Nickel test’ indicates that items will pass EN 1811 / EN 12472 and comply with the Nickel Directive. This is an acceptable level of certainty from a scienti?c point of view. The Quick Nickel test will report items as either: PASS, NO DECISION or LIKELY TO FAIL. The Turnaround Time for Quick Nickel Release testing is just 5 working days. To download a Nickel testing application form click here. For more information on Nickel Legislation click here.

To discuss the Quick Nickel Test or to enquire about Nickel testing please contact Tim or Steve in The Laboratory on:

T: 0121 262 1017 or E: testing@thelaboratory.co.uk

 

 

 

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