Toxic Jewellery in the News
With jewellery safety and compliance in the news again this week, we’ve had consumers and businesses contact us to ask how they can ensure their jewellery is safe.
Social media platforms were filled with news of toxic substances found in jewellery sold by online marketplaces after the BBC reported that out of 25 items described as sterling silver, only 2 met the standard.
The items were examined by experts for BBC Watchdog for a segment on The One Show and eight were found to have illegal levels of cadmium, a carcinogen.
The BBCs investigation also found items that contained considerably high percentages of nickel, a known allergen that can causes irritation.
A separate investigation by The Times in July also found large amounts of cadmium in some jewellery items purchased from online marketplaces.
Earlier this year in May, EU regulators fined an online marketplace €200m for the sale of unsafe items, including jewellery.
At Birmingham Assay Office, our analytical laboratory provides compliance testing and support for companies doing their due diligence in adherence to General Product Safety Regulations and REACH regulations.
These pieces of legislation are designed to keep consumers safe from dangerous substances, including nickel, lead, and cadmium.
We understand that it can seem hard to know where to begin and how to approach compliance. Products must comply with GPSR and UK REACH restrictions where applicable. Testing is the most reliable way to demonstrate compliance and support due diligence.
We can provide bespoke testing programmes to help show your ongoing commitment to customer safety. Compliance with GPSR and REACH requirements is not a one-time requirement, it requires ongoing testing to account for changes in materials, suppliers, or manufacturing processes.
Due to the complexity of the legislation and the protections put in place for consumers, there is no single certification that brands can apply for to show compliance. At Birmingham Assay Office, we can advise you on the testing and subsequent documentation required to maintain a robust record.
Every division of Birmingham Assay Office is centred around protection of the consumer and the analytical laboratory is no different. As the jewellery market and consumer behaviour changes, more customers are asking what’s really in their purchases.
Our unique UKAS-accredited test method, AnchorCert Protect, tests for 16 recognised skin-sensitising metals including nickel, lead, and cadmium. AnchorCert Protect provides a comprehensive solution to REACH regulation requirements, with supporting marketing material to use on packaging and websites, providing consumers with assurance that their safety is being taken seriously.
Products that fail REACH testing may be subject to product recalls, withdrawal from sale, enforcement action, retailer rejection or reputational damage. Identifying compliance issues before products reach the market can help businesses avoid costly disruptions and protect consumer confidence.
Get in touch for more information on how we can support you and the wide variety of tests we offer.
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Toxic Jewellery in the news
With jewellery safety and compliance in the news again this week, we’ve had consumers and businesses contact us to ask how they can ensure their jewellery is safe. Social media platforms were filled with news of toxic substances found in jewellery sold by online marketplaces
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