How to apply for EU REACH testing and certification for silver jewelry
Date：2025-08-29 10:22:32 Classification
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According to the EU REACH regulations, silver jewelry exported to the EU must pass chemical substance compliance testing and certification. The following are the core steps and precautions in the certification process:
I. Clarifying Testing Items and Standards
Silver jewelry must be tested for the following substances (in accordance with REACH Annex XVII and the SVHC List):
1. Heavy Metal Restrictions
- Lead (Pb): Content ≤ 0.05% (total weight)
- Cadmium (Cd): Content ≤ 0.01% (metal/plastic materials)
- Nickel Release: ≤ 0.2 μg/cm²/week (piercing jewelry such as earrings)
2. Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC)
- 224 substances on the SVHC list (such as phthalates and azo dyes), with a single item containing ≤ 0.1%
3. Other Risk Substances
- Hexavalent chromium, allergens (such as nickel), and cadmium release (electroplated silver jewelry)
II. Certification Process
Step 1: Select a Compliance Testing Agency
- Must have EU-recognized qualifications (such as an ECHA-authorized laboratory). Preference is given to agencies that offer a one-stop service (e.g., sample testing + document review).
Step 2: Submit Application and Samples
- Required Materials:
- Product Technical File (including material list, coating composition, and supply chain information)
- Sample Quantity: Typically 3-5 (must cover all material types)
- Complete a Request for Comments (specify test items, expedited requests, etc.)
Step 3: Laboratory Testing and Evaluation
- Testing Time: Normally 5-7 working days (expedited testing can be reduced to 3 days)
- Key Steps:
- Material Separation Testing (metals and non-metals must be tested separately)
- SVHC Screening (using standards such as EN 1122 and EPA 3050B)
Step 4: Obtain Certification Documents
- Report of Conformity: Attached with ECHA-approved test data
- Type of Compliance Document:
- REACH Declaration of Conformity (DoC)
- SVHC Test Report (must include product images and batch number)
III. Cost and Timeframe Reference
| Project | Cost Range | Description
| Basic Testing | ￥1500-3000 | Discount for mixed metal testing
| Full SVHC coverage | ￥2500+ | Non-metallic materials are priced separately
| Expedited service | 30%-50% surcharge
IV. Key Points
1. Dynamic Update Obligation:
- If the formula concentration changes by more than 10% or the ingredients are changed, the UFI must be regenerated;
2. Supply Chain Responsibility:
- Importers/downstream users are the registered entities and must ensure the authenticity of ingredient information;
3. Risk of Non-Compliance:
- Failure to label the UFI or falsifying information may result in a fine of up to €100,000 and a ban on product sales.
V. Operational Recommendations
1. Pre-inspection of Ingredient Compliance:
- Verify hazard classification using Annex VIII of the CLP to avoid false positives;
2. Establish an Update Mechanism:
- Subscribe to ECHA list updates (new SVHC substances are added every six months);
3. Document Retention:
- Maintain notification records for 10 years to prepare for EU customs inspections. For more practical guidance, please refer to the ECHA official website or professional testing agencies (such as Dezewei Testing).
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