The Legislation - Nickel

The legislation originates from a European Directive in 1994, and applies to products inserted into a body piercing, and those intended to come into direct and prolonged contact with the skin. This was finally adopted into UK Law as "The Dangerous Substances and Preparations (Nickel) (Safety) Regulations 2000". The 2000 Regulations have since been revoked and replaced with “The Dangerous Substances and Preparations (Nickel) (Safety) Regulations 2005”, enforceable from 1st September 2005.

The major change in the 2005 legislation is that now piercing post assemblies must comply with a more rigorous release test, rather than a stipulated nickel content. 

This is important legislation which has implications for all of the jewellery, watch and fashion industry.     

Under the 2005 legislation any manufacturer, importer, wholesaler or retailer in the supply chain will commit an offence if:

• They sell a post assembly intended to be inserted into a pierced part of the human body unless the rate of nickel release from the post assembly is less than 0.2 μg/cm2/week;

• They sell jewellery items, including certain metal clothing fasteners, if the rate of nickel release from those parts of the product which come into direct and prolonged contact with the skin is greater than 0.5 μg/cm2/week.

• They sell any jewellery items, including certain metal clothing fasteners, where these have a non-nickel coating unless the coating is sufficient to ensure that the rate of nickel release from those parts of the product which come into direct and prolonged contact with the skin does not exceed 0.5 μg/cm2/week for a period of at least two years normal use of the product.

TEST STANDARDS

In order to ensure that products comply, they are tested to the relevant British Standards stipulated in the legislation i.e. BS EN 1811 and BS EN 12472.  Other screening tests are a useful part of a due diligence procedure, but legally all items must pass the relevant test stipulated in the Regulations.

Key points from the regulations

To read the key points from the regulations click here