A Jeweler's Guide to REACH Compliance

REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals) is an important regulation in the European Union that can impact jewelry brands, especially if your products contain Substances of Very High Concern (also known as SVHCs) or if you intend to sell your jewelry within the EU.

Below are a key issues to know about REACH compliance and how to check if your products meet the requirements:

Understanding REACH Compliance: REACH regulations apply to a wide range of products, including jewelry, due to the presence of materials and substances that may be subject to restrictions. Key areas of concern in jewelry include the use of certain metals (e.g., nickel), surface treatments (e.g., plating), and gemstone treatments. REACH compliance is not just about the materials but also the substances and chemicals used in production processes. It also involves communication along the supply chain and ensuring the safety of the end user.

Identify SVHCs in Your Jewelry: Review the composition of your jewelry to identify substances of very high concern, such as lead, cadmium, nickel, and other restricted chemicals. You may need to have lab testing done on your products to determine the presence and quantity of these substances, especially in items with plating or surface treatments.

Work with REACH-Compliant Suppliers: Ensure that your suppliers and manufacturers use REACH-compliant materials and processes. Request documentation from your suppliers confirming the compliance of the materials they provide.

Supplier Audits: Periodically audit your suppliers to confirm that they are adhering to REACH regulations.

Safety Data Sheets: Make sure you have access to safety data sheets (SDS) for chemicals and materials used in your jewelry. These should be available from your suppliers.

Documentation and Records: Keep comprehensive records of the materials and substances used in your jewelry. This documentation may be needed to demonstrate compliance.

Stay Informed: Keep up to date with changes in REACH regulations, including updates to the list of SVHCs and restrictions. Ensure that your jewelry products remain compliant with any revised regulations.

Consult with Experts: Consider consulting with experts in chemical compliance, especially if you have concerns or questions about specific substances or processes used in your jewelry. Some agencies that provide testing and compliance assistance include:

• Compliance Gate: Is a Hong Kong based company that has an alternative platform that assists you in finding information about relevant products, create product certificates, book lab testing for your products.

Lab Testing: When in doubt, or if you have concerns about specific jewelry items, consider sending samples for lab testing to verify their compliance.

To learn more about REACH compliance you can visit the following website.