Why Do We Need The Nickel Directive?
In Europe approximately 10% of women and 1% of men suffer from an allergy to nickel caused by skin absorption of nickel ions, released from nickel containing materials.
The EC Nickel Directive was brought in to combat this by specifying the release rate of nickel in articles which have direct and prolonged contact with the skin. The Directive covers jewellery along with belt buckles, jeans studs, sunglasses and metal poppers on babies garments etc.
“The Nickel Directive” (European Directive 94/27/EC)
The directive came into effect on the 20th July 2001 and was subsequently amended on the 1st September 2005.
What Piercing Jewellery Conforms to the Directive?
For Initial Piercings (unhealed): jewellery inserted into the body during the healing period of a piercing must be homogenous (elements evenly spread throughout the metal) and shall not emit nickel at a rate greater than 0.2 microgrammes/cm2/week.
We recommend using titanium body jewellery for initial piercings.
For Healed Piercings: replacement jewellery inserted into the body after the piercing wound has healed must have a nickel release rate lower than than 0.5 microgrammes/cm2/week.
We recommend using titanium, 316L steel, PVD on steel or titanium, Sterling silver, steel-silver, gold plate, acrylic, PTFE, bioplast, silicone, pyrex or organic body jewellery for healed piercings.
TDi – Conforming To The Nickel Directive
Since 1999, TDi bodyjewellery has been working with the Sheffield Assay Office, Analytical Services, testing all jewellery.
TDi operates a ‘due dilligence’ system, as recommended by the Assay Office, to ensure it conforms to the requirements of the ‘Nickel Directive’.
In recognition of this, The Sheffield Assay Office has issued TDi with a ‘Certificate Of Conformity’ click here to view.
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