Guidelines for Nickel Testing

Tests are carried out according to procedures based on BS EN 1811: 1999, BS EN 12472:2005 and ENV 14027:2001.  Nickel content tests are also available.

1. NICKEL RELEASE

Release tests are appropriate for items intended to come into direct and prolonged contact with the skin.

The Corrosion/Wear Test- BS EN 12472 is required for all plated or coated products prior to BS EN 1811. This will usually be carried out on the complete item.

The Full Release Test -  BS EN 1811 normally involves disassembling the product into its component parts. For example a watch can be broken down logically into four components; the watch back, bracelet, crown and case. Nickel release results are then reported for each component in micrograms per square centimetre per week. In the absence of any instructions specifying how the product is to be split, discretion will be exercised.  Alternatively, products can be tested as whole items, to avoid damage arising from disassembly, and one result will be reported for the complete item. Please indicate on the application form whether you wish products to be tested whole, or in component form. 

Items containing post assemblies must be tested by component, to BS EN1811 to ensure they comply.

The Regulations clearly state that it is the Suppliers’ responsibility to consider each individual product and decide which parts will be in direct and prolonged contact with the skin. If required, areas judged not to be in direct and prolonged contact can be ‘masked off’ using lacquer, prior to testing. The Laboratory does not as a matter of course 'mask off' any parts of the product unless specifically requested.  Please include clear instructions on your application form.

The Quality Control Test

This follows the principles of EN 1811 but the product will always be tested whole, with no masking of areas judged not to be in direct and prolonged contact with the skin and reporting the nickel release as either a ‘pass’ or a ‘fail’. This test is most suited to products such as those manufactured in gold and silver, where there is usually no nickel added to the alloy and subsequently little if any nickel released. The disadvantage of this test is that if the product “fails”, the reason for failure cannot be attributed to any specific component and it may be necessary to carry out an additional full test to determine this.

The Screening Test is a visual test for Nickel release which gives an indication of possible failure only. For a definitive test, products should be subjected to EN 1811 or EN 12472 followed by EN 1811, as appropriate. 

2. NICKEL CONTENT

Nickel Content Determination (EN 1810) is no longer recognised by the regulations but a test along these lines may be a useful part of a due diligence programme. Unless otherwise advised products will be split into their component parts and each reported separately.  

3. SPECTACLES

ENV 14027 – The method for the simulation of wear before the detection of nickel release from coated metal and combination spectacle frames is a possible alternative to EN 12472. However, ENV 14027 is a pre-standard and is not an approved test method referred to in the Dangerous Substances and Preparations (Nickel) (Safety) Regulations 2000.  Please note that a QC release test is not appropriate for spectacles.