The brand carries the responsibility
In the EU, responsibility for a product’s legal compliance lies with whoever places it on the market — the brand, the importer or a distributor under their own name. It is not enough to assume that “buying from a manufacturer makes it legal”. It pays to know the basic restrictions and to hold documentation, because it is you that market surveillance or a sales platform will ask. The good news: with the right material and manufacturer, most requirements are met almost automatically.
This article is informational and is not legal advice — consult a specialist if in doubt.
Nickel — the key restriction
Nickel is the most common cause of contact allergies, so REACH (Annex XVII) limits its release from items in prolonged skin contact to below 0.5 µg/cm² per week (and even stricter for parts inserted into pierced ears). The reference method is standard EN 1811. In practice the metals we work in — 925 silver, 585/750 gold and titanium — fall within the limits by nature, and coatings such as rhodium additionally isolate the skin. The scope of testing and declarations for a specific project is agreed individually.
Lead and cadmium
REACH also restricts two other elements in jewelry: lead (content below 0.05% in parts in skin contact) and cadmium (below 0.01%). This applies not only to the base metal but also to solders, gold-plated parts and cheap alloys. That is why it matters which materials and additives the manufacturer uses — in properly made 925 silver and gold pieces the problem is practically absent, but with cheap alloys and imports from outside the EU the risk rises. Another argument for Made in EU production with material control.
GPSR and technical documentation
Since 13 December 2024 the EU General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) applies. It requires, among others, naming a responsible person in the EU, marking that allows the product and batch to be identified, and keeping simple technical documentation and a risk assessment. For online sales it also means showing the manufacturer’s/responsible person’s details with the listing. For jewelry this is not complicated, but it must be in order — especially if you sell through a marketplace that requires it.
How to reduce risk with your manufacturer
The simplest route to compliance is the right material at source: 925 silver, high-grade gold and titanium instead of cheap alloys, and controlled electroplating. Ask the manufacturer for information on alloy and solder composition and to agree the scope of declarations and any testing for your market. Arrange batch acceptance and keep a reference sample. Made in EU production simplifies all of this, because materials and processes are documented and your partner is in the same jurisdiction.
Frequently asked questions
What is the nickel release limit for jewelry in the EU?
REACH (Annex XVII) limits nickel release from items in prolonged skin contact to below 0.5 µg/cm² per week, and even stricter for parts inserted into pierced ears. The reference method is standard EN 1811.
Are 925 silver and gold nickel-compliant?
Yes — 925 silver, gold and titanium fall within nickel limits by nature, and coatings such as rhodium additionally isolate the skin. Risk rises with cheap alloys and imports from outside the EU.
What is the GPSR and does it apply to jewelry?
The GPSR is the EU General Product Safety Regulation, in force since 13 December 2024. It requires, among others, a responsible person in the EU, markings that identify the product and batch, and simple technical documentation. It also applies to jewelry.