REACH Compliance Control Procedure for Jewelry
Compliance with REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals) is crucial in the jewelry sector to ensure product safety and adherence to environmental standards.
This procedure outlines the steps we follow to ensure the REACH compliance of jewelry components. This includes requesting conformity certificates from suppliers and conducting internal checks using an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF).
- Definition of REACH Conformity
Standards Regulations are constantly evolving. Therefore, we regularly keep ourselves informed about substances and concentration thresholds regulated by REACH specifically for jewelry (for example, nickel, lead, cadmium). Today, the thresholds to be respected for REACH regulation in jewelry vary depending on the chemical substances used and their concentration in the jewelry.
Here are some common concentration thresholds important to meet in jewelry to comply with REACH:
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Lead: The concentration limit for lead in jewelry is generally 0.05% by weight of the part or its accessible components. This means that the lead content in jewelry must not exceed 0.05% to be REACH compliant.
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Cadmium: The concentration limit for cadmium in jewelry is generally 0.01% by weight of the part or its accessible components.
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Nickel: Although nickel is not specifically regulated by REACH for jewelry, there are separate European Union directives, such as Directive 94/27/EC, which impose restrictions on the amount of nickel released by jewelry in prolonged contact with the skin. This directive sets a limit of 0.5 µg/cm²/week for the release of nickel from products in contact with the skin.
- Selection and Evaluation of Suppliers
- Our suppliers are chosen, where possible, based on their ability to provide conformity certificates according to REACH standards.
- Requesting Conformity Certificates from Suppliers A request is made to suppliers to provide REACH conformity certificates.
- Implementation of a Traceability System The obtained certificates are kept. They are recorded to ensure the traceability of the controls performed.
- Internal Controls with XRF Spectrometer Furthermore, we establish a routine of internal tests on samples of finished products or raw materials using an XRF spectrometer. Staff are trained in the correct use of the XRF spectrometer and in interpreting the results. A compliance audit of the internal installation of the XRF spectrometer is carried out by an independent third party.
- Testing Procedure with the XRF Spectrometer Samples of jewelry or components for testing are randomly selected. The XRF spectrometer is used to determine the chemical composition of the products and to detect, if necessary, the presence and concentration of regulated substances. The results are compared with the established REACH conformity standards.
- Management of Non-Conformities In case of detected non-conformity, the concerned product is set aside. The supplier of the non-conforming product is informed and asked to take necessary corrective measures. If necessary, we proceed with a reevaluation of suppliers. By following this procedure, our establishment can effectively ensure the REACH compliance of its products, thereby guaranteeing the safety and satisfaction of our customers while respecting environmental regulations.