EU Commission Updates Reference Standard for Testing of Nickel

On Dec. 20, 2023, the EU Commission published a Commission Communication (Document No. C/2023/1604) to update the reference standards under Entry 27 (Nickel) of Annex XVII of the REACH Regulation.

In the new list of reference standards to test the presence of nickel, EN 1811:2011 + A1:2015 has been replaced by EN 1811:2023.

The updated standard includes the following significant technical changes:

• Unit for nickel release has changed to μg • cm-2 • week-1 (expressed as μg/cm2/week in the REACH regulation).
• Note 1 in clause 1 has been shortened.
• Clause 3 terms and definitions have been updated, terms surface finish and disassemble were added.
• Clause 5, permission of ready to use solutions in reagents, was added.
• Notes for application of wax or lacquer was added.
• Information of number of test samples was added.
• Definition of sample area was clarified.
• Handling of small samples and filtering of release solution in the release procedure was clarified.
• Filtering of release solutions and blank solutions was clarified.
• Test report was updated.
• Annex B requirements for quality control material, was deleted.
• Annex B for preparation of samples was revised.
• Table B.1, general procedure for post assemblies and inhomogeneous articles was added.
• Figure B.9 flowchart for sample preparation and testing procedure for complete watches was added.
• Bibliography was updated.

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Source

Commission Communication in the framework of the implementation of Regulation (EC) No 1907/ 2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) (Publication of titles and references of European standards under entry 27 (nickel) of Annex XVII to REACH)