Lead restrictions within the REACH Regulation came into force on 9th October 2013, bringing clarity to the jewellery and watch industry after years of uncertainty. Lead has long been recognized as a toxin and jewellers have felt an obligation to ensure products are “safe” but there has been no specific requirement for lead, unlike toys and other products.  As a result many have been using EN71-3, the standard required for toys, to determine migration levels for lead. The situation has now been clarified with a clear requirement to ensure that lead content by weight is less than 500 parts per million, providing a definite, more consistent level for the industry to work to. The Laboratory has invested heavily in additional microwave digestion equipment and a new ICP to cope with the recent increased demand which it has seen for both lead and cadmium testing. Samples can be tested for the two elements simultaneously and the Lab has developed a “Combined Quick Test” to reduce cost. Some items are exempt from the regulation, the most significant being “crystal glass”, and The Laboratory has confirmed its specialism in this area by offering a unique test to determine whether glass meets the criteria of “crystal”. For more information and to send in items for testing call 0871 871 6020 or email testing@theassayoffice.co.uk  Downloadable test forms are available at www.thelaboratory.co.uk    

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