For metal textile accessories, chemical compliance is as important as coating and appearance. REACH Annex XVII Entry 27 restricts nickel release from certain metal articles intended for direct and prolonged contact with the skin.
Which products are given as examples? The ECHA text includes items such as rivet buttons, tighteners, rivets, zippers and metal marks used in garments. Whether a specific accessory falls within scope depends on its real use and skin-contact scenario.
What does the limit mean? For parts intended for direct and prolonged skin contact, the nickel release rate must not exceed 0.5 µg/cm²/week. Coated articles are also subject to requirements intended to ensure that this performance is maintained during normal use.
Practical implications for design teams - Define the target market during product development. - Evaluate how the metal accessory will contact the skin. - Request appropriate test or compliance documentation from the supplier where required. - Treat coating color and technical compliance as two separate approval criteria.
This article is general technical informatteion and is not a legal compliance declaration. Current legislation and accredited testing requirements should be verified for the product's use and target market.
Source:
- European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), REACH Annex XVII Entry 27: www.echa.europa.eu
Note: Technical content is provided for general information. Current testing and compliance requirements should be verified separately according to the final application, target market and customer standard.