{"id":4492,"date":"2026-10-13T08:10:37","date_gmt":"2026-10-13T06:10:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.yehwang.com\/blog\/?p=4492"},"modified":"2026-10-15T10:27:47","modified_gmt":"2026-10-15T08:27:47","slug":"nickel-free-jewelry-eu-rules-retailers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.yehwang.com\/blog\/nickel-free-jewelry-eu-rules-retailers\/","title":{"rendered":"Nickel-Free Jewelry: What Every Retailer Should Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Oct 7, 2026 \u00b7 @Vivi<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Quick answer:<\/em><\/strong><em>&nbsp;&#8220;Nickel free&#8221; has no legal definition in the EU. What EU law (REACH Annex XVII, entry 27) sets is a <\/em><strong><em>nickel release limit<\/em><\/strong><em>: 0.5 \u00b5g\/cm\u00b2\/week for jewelry in prolonged skin contact, and 0.2 \u00b5g\/cm\u00b2\/week for posts inserted into piercings, tested to EN 1811. Retailers should ask suppliers for accredited lab reports and label products &#8220;tested to meet EU nickel release limits&#8221; rather than &#8220;100% nickel free&#8221;.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>&#8220;Is this nickel free?&#8221;<\/em>&nbsp;is one of the most common questions a jewelry shopper asks \u2014 and one of the most often misanswered. In the EU, &#8220;nickel free&#8221; is not a legal term. What the law actually regulates is <strong>how much nickel a piece releases onto the skin<\/strong>, and every retailer selling jewelry in Europe is responsible for getting that right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As Yehwang, a Dutch B2B fashion jewelry wholesaler based in Ede supplying retailers across Europe, we think retailers deserve a clear, honest explanation. This guide covers what nickel allergy is, what EU law requires, what labels like &#8220;nickel free&#8221; and &#8220;nickel safe&#8221; really mean, which materials to trust, and how to answer your customers with confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is nickel allergy, and how common is it?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nickel allergy is a form of <strong>allergic contact dermatitis<\/strong>: the immune system reacts to nickel ions that dissolve from metal into sweat and pass into the skin. Typical signs are redness, itching, a rash or small blisters where the jewelry touches \u2014 earlobes, neck, wrists, fingers. Reactions usually appear 12\u201348 hours after contact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nickel is the most common cause of contact allergy in Europe. A 2017 review of EU studies found nickel allergy in <strong>8\u201318% of the general population<\/strong>, and around 11% of women aged 18\u201335 even after the EU Nickel Directive took effect (<a href=\"https:\/\/researchprofiles.ku.dk\/en\/publications\/prevalence-of-nickel-allergy-in-europe-following-the-eu-nickel-di\/\"><u>Ahlstr\u00f6m et al., Contact Dermatitis<\/u><\/a>). Women are affected far more often than men, largely through earlier exposure from ear piercings and fashion jewelry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Two facts matter for retailers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Once sensitised, always sensitised.<\/strong>&nbsp;The allergy does not go away; a customer who reacts once will react again to any piece that releases too much nickel.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Piercing is the main trigger.<\/strong>&nbsp;Sensitisation most often starts with a new piercing, which is why EU law sets its strictest limit for piercing jewelry.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What are the EU nickel limits for jewelry? (REACH)<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nickel in jewelry is regulated under <strong>REACH, Annex XVII, entry 27<\/strong>&nbsp;(<a href=\"https:\/\/chesar.echa.europa.eu\/documents\/10162\/3bbe9024-52a6-8e63-5581-e686331eb459\"><u>ECHA restriction text<\/u><\/a>), which began as the 1994 Nickel Directive (94\/27\/EC). The rule does not ban nickel. It caps the <strong>nickel release rate<\/strong>: how much nickel migrates out of the metal per square centimetre of skin-contact surface per week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>Product type<\/td><td>Maximum nickel release<\/td><td>Test method<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Post assemblies inserted into pierced ears or other body piercings<\/td><td>0.2 \u00b5g\/cm\u00b2\/week<\/td><td>EN 1811:2023<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Items in direct and prolonged skin contact: earrings, necklaces, bracelets, chains, anklets, rings, watch cases and straps<\/td><td>0.5 \u00b5g\/cm\u00b2\/week<\/td><td>EN 1811:2023<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>The same items with a non-nickel coating (e.g. gold or rhodium plating)<\/td><td>0.5 \u00b5g\/cm\u00b2\/week, maintained for at least 2 years of normal use<\/td><td>EN 12472:2020 wear simulation, then EN 1811:2023<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The EU officially references EN 1811:2023 and EN 12472:2020 as the methods for demonstrating compliance (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tuvsud.com\/en\/knowledge-hub\/technical-updates\/consumer-products-and-retail-essentials\/eu-ec-adopted-en-1811-2023-for-nickel-release-reach-annex-xvii-restriction\"><u>T\u00dcV S\u00dcD summary<\/u><\/a>). Older reports citing EN 1811:2011+A1:2015 are still useful, but ask suppliers for current-version testing on new collections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.yehwang.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/nickel_reach_limits_revised2-1-1024x683.png\" alt=\"EU REACH nickel release limits of 0.2 for piercing posts and 0.5 micrograms per square centimeter per week for jewelry\" class=\"wp-image-4497\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.yehwang.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/nickel_reach_limits_revised2-1-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.yehwang.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/nickel_reach_limits_revised2-1-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/www.yehwang.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/nickel_reach_limits_revised2-1-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/www.yehwang.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/nickel_reach_limits_revised2-1-1170x780.png 1170w, https:\/\/www.yehwang.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/nickel_reach_limits_revised2-1-585x390.png 585w, https:\/\/www.yehwang.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/nickel_reach_limits_revised2-1-263x175.png 263w, https:\/\/www.yehwang.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/nickel_reach_limits_revised2-1.png 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What this means in practice:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Plating matters.<\/strong>&nbsp;A nickel-containing base metal can pass on day one but fail once the plating wears off. That is why coated items must be tested after simulated wear.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Every skin-contact part counts<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2014 not just the main piece. Clasps, jump rings, ear-nut backs and hooks are often where products fail.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Retailers are in the chain of responsibility.<\/strong>&nbsp;Under REACH and the EU General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), a distributor must not place on the market products it knows or should know are non-compliant. &#8220;My supplier said so&#8221; is not a defence without documentation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Related limits apply in the same regulation: <strong>cadmium<\/strong>&nbsp;(entry 23, max 0.01% by weight in metal jewelry parts) and <strong>lead<\/strong>&nbsp;(entry 63, max 0.05% by weight in jewelry). A responsible supplier tests for all three.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is the difference between &#8220;nickel free&#8221; and &#8220;nickel safe&#8221;?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because EU law regulates release, not content, the wording on a tag or product page needs care. Consumer-protection law (the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive) also means any claim must be truthful and provable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>Label<\/td><td>What it usually means<\/td><td>Can you prove it?<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Nickel free<\/td><td>No nickel intentionally added; only unavoidable traces remain. Not a legally defined term.<\/td><td>Only with a material composition test showing trace levels \u2014 and even then, avoid promising &#8220;0% nickel&#8221;.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Nickel safe \/ nickel compliant<\/td><td>Nickel release is below the REACH limit for that product type.<\/td><td>Yes, with an EN 1811 (and EN 12472 for plated items) report from an accredited lab.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Hypoallergenic<\/td><td>Marketing term with no legal definition; implies low risk of reaction.<\/td><td>Hard to prove; best avoided unless backed by test data.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Surgical steel<\/td><td>Usually 316L stainless steel \u2014 which contains nickel, but binds it tightly.<\/td><td>Refers to material grade, not to nickel release.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our recommendation: describe what you can document. &#8220;Tested to meet EU nickel release limits (REACH)&#8221; is accurate and reassuring. &#8220;100% nickel free&#8221; is a promise few fashion-jewelry products can keep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Which jewelry materials are safest for nickel allergy?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The base metal decides most of the risk. Plating can lower it, but only for as long as the plating lasts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>Material<\/td><td>Contains nickel?<\/td><td>Typical risk for sensitive skin<\/td><td>Notes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Titanium (implant grade)<\/td><td>No<\/td><td>Very low<\/td><td>Best choice for new piercings.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>925 sterling silver<\/td><td>Normally no<\/td><td>Low<\/td><td>Check that plating or solder does not add nickel.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Solid gold 14k+<\/td><td>White gold may<\/td><td>Low (yellow) \/ variable (white)<\/td><td>Some white gold alloys use nickel; ask for alloy details.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>316L stainless steel<\/td><td>Yes (about 10\u201314%)<\/td><td>Low<\/td><td>Nickel is tightly bound; usually passes the 0.5 limit. Piercing posts still need testing against 0.2.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Other stainless grades (e.g. 304)<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>Variable<\/td><td>Release can be higher; test results are essential.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Brass, copper, zinc alloy (plated)<\/td><td>Often in base or under-plating<\/td><td>Medium to high once plating wears<\/td><td>Common in fashion jewelry; must pass EN 12472 + EN 1811.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Unknown &#8220;alloy&#8221;<\/td><td>Unknown<\/td><td>Unknown<\/td><td>Do not sell without a test report.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A useful shop-floor screen is the <strong>dimethylglyoxime (DMG) spot test<\/strong>: a swab turns pink when nickel is released. It is quick and cheap, but it is a screening tool only \u2014 it does not replace an accredited lab report.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.yehwang.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/nickel_materials_revised-1024x683.png\" alt=\"Jewelry materials comparison showing nickel allergy risks for titanium, sterling silver, gold and stainless steel\" class=\"wp-image-4495 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.yehwang.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/nickel_materials_revised-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.yehwang.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/nickel_materials_revised-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/www.yehwang.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/nickel_materials_revised-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/www.yehwang.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/nickel_materials_revised-1170x780.png 1170w, https:\/\/www.yehwang.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/nickel_materials_revised-585x390.png 585w, https:\/\/www.yehwang.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/nickel_materials_revised-263x175.png 263w, https:\/\/www.yehwang.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/nickel_materials_revised.png 1536w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/683;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Spotlight: Lum\u00e9, our premium stainless steel line<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For retailers whose customers ask for jewelry that is kind to sensitive skin, <strong>Lum\u00e9<\/strong>&nbsp;is Yehwang&#8217;s premium brand. Lum\u00e9 is made from [steel grade, e.g. 316L] stainless steel, so the nickel risk is managed by the base material itself, not by a plating layer that can wear away. Its refined, editorial designs are aimed at a more mature customer who values quality materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What this means for your shop:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>A clear answer at the counter.<\/strong>&nbsp;You can explain the material confidently instead of relying on a vague &#8220;nickel free&#8221; claim.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Documentation available.<\/strong>&nbsp;[Confirm before publishing: Lum\u00e9 test reports, e.g. EN 1811:2023 nickel release, plus cadmium and lead, available on request.]<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ready to sell.<\/strong>&nbsp;Lum\u00e9 ships in branded packaging with a fixed recommended retail price on every tag.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.yehwang.com\/brand-Introduction\/Lum%C3%A9\"><u>Discover Lum\u00e9 \u2192<\/u><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How can retailers make sure their jewelry is compliant? A checklist<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Before you buy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u2610 Ask your supplier for EN 1811 nickel release reports from an accredited lab (for example SGS, Intertek, Bureau Veritas, T\u00dcV).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u2610 For plated items, check the report includes EN 12472 wear simulation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u2610 Check that piercing posts were tested against the stricter 0.2 limit.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u2610 Ask whether cadmium and lead were tested too.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u2610 Make sure the report matches the actual product: item number, material and plating.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In your shop and webshop<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u2610 Keep test reports on file, linked to item numbers, so you can answer authorities or customers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u2610 Use accurate wording: &#8220;meets EU REACH nickel release limits&#8221; rather than &#8220;100% nickel free&#8221;.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u2610 State the base material and plating on product pages.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u2610 Brief staff on the difference between nickel content and nickel release.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Talking to customers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Customers with a known nickel allergy: recommend titanium, sterling silver or solid gold, especially for earrings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Customers who want a durable everyday piece: our Lum\u00e9 stainless steel line is a strong option. Everyone else: explain that the piece is tested to EU limits, and that care (removing jewelry before showering, swimming or sport) helps plating last longer.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If a customer reports a reaction: take it seriously, refund or exchange, note the item number and tell your supplier so the batch can be checked.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Our commitment to you<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At Yehwang, we believe compliance is part of the product. If you have questions about any item in our range, contact us at info@yehwang.com and we will share the documentation we hold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>About the author:<\/strong>&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/viviwu\"><u>Vivi (Lihua) Wu<\/u><\/a>&nbsp;is General Manager of Yehwang B.V., where she oversees product compliance (REACH, GPSR, EPR) and procurement for the company&#8217;s wholesale jewelry brands. Connect with her on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/viviwu\"><u>LinkedIn<\/u><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Frequently asked questions<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Is nickel-free jewelry legally required in the EU?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. EU law limits nickel release, not nickel content. Jewelry may contain nickel as long as release stays below 0.5 \u00b5g\/cm\u00b2\/week, or 0.2 \u00b5g\/cm\u00b2\/week for posts inserted into piercings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Is stainless steel nickel free?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. 316L stainless steel contains roughly 10\u201314% nickel, but it is bound so tightly that release is usually very low. Piercing posts made of steel should still be tested against the 0.2 limit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Can I call my jewelry hypoallergenic?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Only with care. The term has no legal definition in the EU, so back it with test data or say &#8220;tested to EU nickel release limits&#8221; instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Does gold plating make jewelry nickel safe?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Only temporarily if the base metal releases nickel. That is why plated items must pass a wear simulation (EN 12472) before release testing (EN 1811).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Does 925 sterling silver contain nickel?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pure 925 silver is an alloy of silver and copper and normally contains no nickel. Problems come from nickel under-plating, solder or findings, so check the whole piece.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Which earrings are best for people with nickel allergy?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Implant-grade titanium, 925 sterling silver and solid yellow gold are the safest choices. For a new piercing, titanium is the standard recommendation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How can I test jewelry for nickel at home or in store?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A dimethylglyoxime (DMG) spot test turns pink when nickel is released. It is a quick screen, not proof of compliance; only an accredited EN 1811 lab test is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Who is responsible if non-compliant jewelry is sold in the EU?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Everyone in the supply chain. Importers and manufacturers must ensure compliance, and distributors, including retailers, must not sell products they know or should know are non-compliant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What should I do if a customer reacts to a piece?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Offer a refund or exchange, record the item number and inform your supplier so the batch can be checked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>This article is for general information and does not replace legal advice. Regulations are current as of October 2026.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Sources<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/chesar.echa.europa.eu\/documents\/10162\/3bbe9024-52a6-8e63-5581-e686331eb459\"><u>ECHA: REACH Annex XVII, entry 27 (nickel), conditions of restriction<\/u><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tuvsud.com\/en\/knowledge-hub\/technical-updates\/consumer-products-and-retail-essentials\/eu-ec-adopted-en-1811-2023-for-nickel-release-reach-annex-xvii-restriction\"><u>T\u00dcV S\u00dcD: EC adopts EN 1811:2023 for nickel release under REACH<\/u><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/researchprofiles.ku.dk\/en\/publications\/prevalence-of-nickel-allergy-in-europe-following-the-eu-nickel-di\/\"><u>Ahlstr\u00f6m et al. (2017), Prevalence of nickel allergy in Europe following the EU Nickel Directive, Contact Dermatitis<\/u><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Oct 7, 2026 \u00b7 @Vivi Quick answer:&nbsp;&#8220;Nickel free&#8221; has no legal definition in the EU. What EU law (REACH Annex XVII, entry 27) sets is a nickel release limit: 0.5&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":4498,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[240,129],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4492","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-compliance-standards","category-knowledge-base"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Nickel-Free Jewelry: EU Rules Every Retailer Must Know<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"What &quot;nickel free&quot; really means, the EU REACH nickel limits, and a practical compliance checklist for jewelry retailers.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" 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