Nickel Release: Definition of ‘Prolonged Contact with
the Skin’ and Enlargement of the Article Spectrum
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has published a definition
of ‘prolonged contact with the skin’ for the requirement of nickel
release in articles.
This definition clarifies the requirements about nickel release
according to REACH Annex XVII but also enlarged the spectrum
of affected articles.
Background
Nickel is a well-known contact allergen and is used in several metal alloys. The nickel release is
regulated under Annex XVII in the REACH regulation in Europe. Entry 27 postulates the restriction
of nickel if the rate of nickel release in articles intended to come into direct and prolonged contact
with the skin is greater than 0,5 μg/cm²/week. According to the regulation, examples of these articles
are earrings, necklaces, bracelets, watch straps, rivet buttons, zippers and metal marks, when these
are used in garments.
Due to unclear definition of ‘direct and prolonged contact with the skin’ misunderstandings about the
applicability of nickel restriction have been occurred.
Therefore the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has published a statement about the definition
for ‘prolonged contact with the skin’. For the nickel release ‘prolonged contact with the skin’ is
defined as contact with the skin of nickel of potentially more than:
 10 minutes on three or more occasions within two weeks, or
 30 minutes on one or more occasions within two weeks.
This definition has consequences for articles which until now do not fall under the requirement for
the nickel release. According to the definition more articles fall under this restriction like:
 Mobile telephones (a statement that mobile telephones fall under this requirement has been
published by the EU previously)
 Small electrical devices like cameras, camcorders, MP3 players and tablets
 Household appliances like hairdryers and vacuum cleaners
 Binoculars
 Personal care and home goods like manicure and pedicure sets, scissors, hairdryers
 Writing utensils (according to different entries in RAPEX)
 Tools
Further information
Statement of the ECHA :
http://echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/13641/nickel_restriction_prolonged_contact_skin_en.pdf
Bureau Veritas Solutions and Services
Bureau Veritas offers a wide range of chemical management solutions to help you overcome the
challenges of complying with the REACH Regulation. To find out how we can assist you in meeting
REACH requirements as related to your business, visit: www.bureauveritas.de/cps,
www.bureauveritas.co.uk/cps , www.bureauveritas.fr/cps, or email: [email protected]
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Bureau Veritas Consumer Products Services
•
December 2014, 14B-044
www.bureauveritas.de /cps