EU REACH Nickel Release Test Report for Hardware Accessories
Date：2026-01-09 09:39:11 Classification
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Annex XVII, Section 27 of the EU REACH Regulation imposes mandatory restrictions on nickel release to prevent allergic reactions caused by prolonged wear of nickel-containing metal products. This regulation applies not only to jewelry but also to all hardware accessories that may come into contact with the skin, such as zippers, buttons, eyeglass frames, belt buckles, and keychains.
Since nickel is a common alloying element, many stainless steel or electroplated hardware items contain nickel. If the surface treatment is improper or the coating is easily worn, nickel ions can leach out under the influence of sweat and be absorbed by the skin, leading to contact dermatitis. Therefore, hardware products exported to the EU must provide a nickel release test report to prove compliance.
I. Testing Standards and Scope
Main Updated Testing Standards
Since 2023, the EU has updated its harmonized standard for nickel release testing from EN1811:2011+A1:2015 to EN1811:2023, as the officially recognized method for compliance with the REACH Regulation.
In addition:
EN12472:2020: Nickel release test for simulated coated articles after abrasion (applicable to electroplated products).
EN16128:2015: Nickel release test specifically for eye contact products such as eyeglass frames.
II. Applicable Product Types
The following hardware accessories require nickel release testing:
Metal zippers, buttons, and rivets on clothing
Watch cases and straps
Metal frames for eyeglasses
Keychains and pendants
Metal fasteners for bags
Piercing jewelry such as earrings and studs
(Supplementary Note) Even if the product itself is not a "jewelry," as long as its metal parts will be in prolonged contact with the skin, it falls under the regulatory scope.
III. Comparison Table of Nickel Release Limits
Usage Scenarios | EU Limits
Products used for piercing body parts (e.g., earrings, piercings) | ≤ 0.2 μg/cm²/week
Products in direct and prolonged contact with skin (e.g., watch straps, zipper pulls) | ≤ 0.5 μg/cm²/week
China National Standard (Total Nickel Content) | Total Nickel Content < 0.05% (by weight)
Note: The EU uses "migration limits" (i.e., actual release amounts), not total content, which more scientifically reflects the risk of use.
IV. Detailed Testing Procedure
According to EN1811:2023, the main steps are as follows:
Sample Preparation: Take a representative sample, clean the surface, and avoid contamination.
Artificial Sweat Preparation: Use a standardized solution (containing lactic acid and sodium chloride) to simulate the human sweat environment.
Immersion Test: Completely immerse the sample in sweat and maintain a constant temperature of 30±2°C for 168 hours (7 days).
Solution Extraction and Filtration: After removing the sample, collect the solution and filter it if necessary to ensure analytical accuracy.
Nickel Content Detection: Determine the nickel concentration in the solution using ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry) or AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrometry).
Result Interpretation: Each test sample must meet the standard individually; averaging is not allowed.
Special Note: For coated products, wear simulation must be performed according to EN12472 before conducting the EN1811 test to assess the release situation after coating failure.
V. Report Usage and Platform Requirements
A compliant nickel release test report is not only a legal basis for entering the EU market but also a listing requirement for major e-commerce platforms:
Amazon Europe: Requires uploading a REACH declaration of compliance or a heavy metal testing report; otherwise, the sale of related hardware jewelry is prohibited.
TEMU Platform: Explicitly requires an RSL-Nickel Release report as one of the product access conditions.
Other Cross-Border E-commerce Platforms: Such as SHEIN and AliExpress are also gradually strengthening their review of such hazardous substances. The report should include:
Product information (material, images, ASIN/FNSKU)
Testing standard (EN1811:2023)
Testing organization qualifications (it is recommended to choose a laboratory with CNAS/CMA accreditation)
Clear conclusions and data
VI. Recommendations
Schedule testing as early as possible: Nickel release testing typically takes 5–7 days and cannot be expedited; advance planning is recommended.
Choose an authoritative organization: Prioritize third-party laboratories with ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation (DEZEW Testing CNAS registration number: L8083) to ensure international report recognition.
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