Natural stone keychain EU REACH test report processing
Date:2025-11-06 10:05:25 Classification
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REACH is the EU regulation governing the registration, evaluation, authorization, and restriction of chemicals. It's a proposed regulation concerning the safe production, trade, and use of chemicals. Regarding REACH testing reports for natural stone keychains exported to the EU (DEZEW Testing CNAS Registration No.: L8083):
I. Core Reasons for REACH Testing for Natural Stone Keychains
1. Material Composite Risks
- Natural Stone: May contain heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury) or natural radioactive substances (such as granite), and must comply with the REACH Annex XVII restriction list.
- Metal Accessories: Key rings, connecting buckles, etc., require testing for nickel release (≤0.5 μg/cm²/week) and cadmium content (≤0.01%).
- Auxiliary Materials: Dyed stone (may contain azo dyes), coatings/adhesives (may contain formaldehyde or SVHC).
2. Sensitivity to Contact Scenarios
Keychains are everyday handheld items that come into frequent skin contact and may be chewed by children. Therefore, strict control of skin allergens (such as cobalt and chromium) and CMR substances (carcinogenic, mutagenic, and reproductive toxicants) is necessary.
II. List of Mandatory Testing Items (Based on REACH Annex XVII and SVHC Candidate List)
| Test Category | Specific Substance | Limit Requirements | Applicable Components
| Heavy Metals | Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Mercury (Hg) | Cd≤0.01%, Pb≤0.05% (articles) | Stone, metal fittings, paints
| Nickel Release | Nickel and its compounds | ≤0.5 μg/cm²/week | Metal key rings, decorative chains
| Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) | Benzo[a]pyrene and 16 other types | ≤1 mg/kg (skin contact parts) | Rubber/plastic grips
| Phthalate Esters | DEHP/DBP/BBP/DIBP, etc. | Single item ≤0.1% (parts that can be placed in the mouth) | Soft rubber decorative parts
| SVHC Screening | Currently 240+ Substances of Very High Concern | Content >0.1% requires notification | Adhesives, Dyes
Note: If the stone has been dyed/waxed, additional testing is required for azo dyes (amines ≤30mg/kg are prohibited) and PFAS (new restrictions added in 2025).
III. Full Process of Test Report Issuance
1. Sample Disassembly and Pretreatment
- Disassemble the keychain into three categories: stone body, metal parts, and auxiliary materials, and prepare samples separately.
- Natural stone needs to be crushed and homogenized for testing; metal parts should be polished according to ISO 17075 standards to test for nickel release.
2. Selecting a Compliant Laboratory
- Prioritize EU-accredited institutions or domestic laboratories with ISO 17025 accreditation.
- Confirm that the laboratory can perform standards such as EN 1811 (nickel release) and EPA 3052 (heavy metal digestion).
3. Customized Testing Solution
- Basic Package: Appendix XVII Restricted Substances (heavy metals, PAHs, etc.) + SVHC screening. - Extended Items: If the product contains dyes/coatings, add testing for azo dyes, formaldehyde, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs).
4. Report Review and Compliance Assessment
- Ensure the report includes:
✓ Sample photos and ingredient descriptions
✓ Test method standard number
✓ Comparison of measured data and limits for each substance
✓ Signature of the EU Authorized Representative (OR) (not mandatory but recommended)
5. SCIP Database Notification (Mandatory Obligation)
- If the SVHC content is >0.1%, product information (ingredients, safety instructions) must be submitted to the ECHA SCIP platform.
IV. Cycle Optimization Strategy (5-7 working days)
| Project | Cost/Time Reduction Techniques
| Basic Testing Fee | Combine similar materials for testing (e.g., 10 keychains sharing metal fittings)
| SVHC Full Screening | Select "Highly Related Substances Package" (for stone dyes/adhesives)
| Standard Cycle | Expedited Service (3 days, fee +30%)
| SCIP Notification | Self-Submission (EU Login account required)
V. High-Risk Avoidance Guidelines
1. Natural Stone Material Selection Pitfalls
- Serpentine: May contain chrysotile (completely prohibited) → Marble or quartzite are safer choices.
- Azurite/Malachite: Contains copper and easily releases heavy metals → Avoid use in children's sizes.
- Dyed Agate: Dyes may contain azoamines → Request the supplier to provide the dye MSDS.
2. Accessory Alternatives
- Keychains: Use titanium alloy instead of nickel steel (no nickel release test required). - Adhesives: Choose water-based acrylic adhesives (free of toluene/ketones and SVHCs).
3. Response to New Regulations in 2025
- PFAS Restrictions: If the stone waterproofing coating contains C8 fluorine compounds (such as PFOA), a silane coating must be used instead.
- Microplastics Ban: Avoid using plastic pearlescent decorative layers.