What is Nickel Release Directive,?
European Community (EC) has published in 1994, which restrict the content of nickel in products intended in contact with the skin. For example, necklaces, bracelets, ear rings, watch straps, rivet button, etc. The directive restricts the use of nickel in products intended in direct and prolonged contact with the skin on the basis that such products may cause to allergic reactions. The limit for the rate of nickel released must be less than 0.5μg /cm2/week. For piercing units, earrings, for instance, the total nickel content must be less than 0.05%
New Test Method
On 1999July 20, the EC published a new test method which covers reference test methods for the determination of total nickel content (EN 1810:1999); the release of nickel from products without coating and intended in direct and prolonged contact with the skin (EN 1811:1999); and wear and corrosion test for the detection of nickel release from products with coating (EN 12472:1999). All member states have banned the manufacture and import of products not conforming with the Directive from 2000 July 20.
Nickel Release Directive
|
OEN |
Reference |
Title of the standards |
Year of the ratification |
|
CEN |
EN 1810：1999 |
Reference test method for the determination of total nickel content by flame atomic absorption spectrometry |
1999 |
|
CEN |
EN 1811：1999 |
Reference test method for the release of nickel from products without coating intended in direct and prolonged contact with the skin |
1999 |
|
CEN |
EN 12472：1999 |
Method for the simulation of wear and corrosion for the detection of nickel released from coated items |
1999 |