Regulation of Lead content under the REACH Regulations is expected to be enforceable from October 2013. The regulation applies to all “Jewellery and imitation jewellery articles, hair accessories, bracelets, necklaces, rings, piercing  jewellery, wrist watches, wrist-wear, brooches and cufflinks”. It applies to paints, plastics and metals as well as to the article itself.   The Laboratory offers UKAS accredited testing to demonstrate that items comply with the new Lead regulations. Crystal glass, precious and semi-precious stones are exempt, as any lead present is unlikely to migrate and cause any harm.  However, if the stones are treated with lead or its compounds they will need to comply.  This impacts on watches and beads and The Laboratory has been inundated with enquiries as to what is meant by “Crystal glass”.  Officially “Crystal glass" is defined as glass which contains lead, barium, zinc or potash combined or alone, of at least 10% by weight. It has a refractive index above 1.545 and a density above 2.45 grams per square centimetre. The Laboratory offers a unique test to check if items are 'crystal glass' and therefore exempt. For more information please call 0871 871 6020 and ask to speak to Tim or Steve or email testing@theassayoffice.co.uk

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