Nickel Testing
Nickel is a well known allergen and as such is subject to the laws set down in UK REACH.
This states that any manufacturer, retailer, importer etc. will commit an offence if they sell or supply post assemblies to be inserted into a pierced part of the human body unless the rate of Nickel release is less than 0.35ug/cm2/week. Similarly, if they sell or supply jewellery items, precious or base metal that come into prolonged contact with the skin unless the rate of Nickel release is less than 0.88ug/cm2/week.
There are no restrictions on the Nickel content that may be in the metal alloy to be supplied.
Nickel testing includes:
- Nickel release – British Standard test method to ascertain the release of nickel from products intended to come into direct and prolonged contact with skin.
The British standard test method requires 3 Articles to prove compliance for that article.
See this Glossary for the definition of article.
Be aware we will carry out the requested test on the submitted items, but too few articles submitted or articles submitted that do not count as the same article may mean the results of the test do not prove REACH compliance. Note will be made of this on the certificate.
The Nickel test is a destructive test where a physical sample is taken from the piece for testing and this sample cannot be returned.
This service takes at least 10 working days.
We do not carry out testing of spectacle frames and sunglasses for nickel release.
Lead and Cadmium Testing
The ability to detect lead and cadmium in jewellery items is becoming more important due to the harmful effects that these toxic elements can have. Cadmium and lead are restricted by REACH regulations. Our laboratory provides a lead and cadmium testing service for precious metal and costume jewellery in line with REACH regulations.
Cadmium & Lead – These are considered as toxic metals. The regulations state that items may not be placed on the market if the Cadmium content is equal to or > than 0.01% and if the Lead content is equal to or > 0.05%.
Lead and Cadmium testing - testing for precious metal and costume jewellery in line with REACH regulations.
Lead and Cadmium testing is a destructive test where a physical sample is taken from the piece for testing and this sample cannot be returned.
This service takes at least 10 working days.