Falling into line with lead content rules and regs for jewellery is a tricky business. TIM SMITH, account manager for The Laboratory at the Birmingham Assay Offi ce, sounds a note of caution on some of the methods being used out there. Throughout the supply chain for jewellery, watches and fashion accessories, companies are spending an increasing amount of money on testing to ensure their products comply with the latest safety requirements. Through a combination of tight specifications, imposing responsibilities for compliance on the manufacturer or wholesaler and random testing, retailers and importers establish a programme of ‘due diligence’. This provides reassurance and protects the final consumer and the reputation of the business. However, such confidence can be misplaced and the high spend on testing rendered completely worthless if the items are not being tested to the required compliance level or by the appropriate method. Since the enforcement of the REACH (Restriction, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals) Regulation for lead on 9th October 2013, it has become apparent that some laboratories are using wholly inappropriate methods for the determination of lead content, most particularly in glass stones and decorative components. Tim Smith, account manager for The Laboratory at the Birmingham Assay Office, has encountered this issue on previous occasions, but since October it is a regularly re-visited subject. Tim says......To read what Tim has to say about the matter and hear why other testing laboratories may be giving you mis-leading lead content results please click here. To see all our Laboratory Meet The Experts articles please click here.

CATEGORIES