Nickel

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alert system for dangerous non-food consumer products, has recently revealed a number of jewellery items that were withdrawn from the EU marketplace and in one particular case recalled from end users as they did not comply with the Reach Regulations concerning Nickel Release and Lead and Cadmium content.

Items withdrawn over the last month include earrings, necklaces and hair accessories. Three items withdrawn contained Cadmium and Lead in excess of over 1570 x the legal limit.

Nearly two years later, after sustained campaigning and re-consideration by the CEN Working Committees, changes in the Nickel Release Regulations have been formally proposed for adoption by the National Standards Bodies who regulate standards.  For the UK this is BSI and the amendments to the standard are open for public consultation until 5^th May 2015. Even now this long fought battle can only be won by positive support from the industry. Please confirm your approval of this amendment by registering and commenting at https://drafts.bsigroup.com/ . 

  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 a…

     Click on the image above and fill in the Nickel, Lead & Cadmium test application form if you require any of the following tests: Nickel release, our UNIQUE Crystal Glass test, Lead content or Cadmium content testing, unique quick tests, full tests and combined tests are available (Make sure to pick the relevant standard which is applicable to the market place where the item is to be sold). CHEMICAL TEST APPLICATION FORM Click on the image above and fill in the P…