EU REACH chemical testing and certification process for hardware buttons
Date：2026-03-18 10:29:22 Classification
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The export of hardware buttons to the European Union undergoes REACH chemical testing, usually to prove that the product does not contain substances of high concern (SVHC) and restricted substances restricted by the EU REACH regulation.
The following is a detailed process and key points for handling:
1、 Handling process
Step 1: Confirm the testing items
SVHC testing (substances of high concern): This is the most basic requirement. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) updates its SVHC candidate list every six months (currently consisting of 253 items). Hardware buttons usually require testing for SVHC on the metal parts.
Restriction List Test: Mandatory Restrictions on Metal Materials. As metal products that come into long-term contact with the skin, hardware buttons must focus on testing the following items:
Nickel release: REACH Appendix XVII, item 27, which is the most commonly failed item for hardware accessories.
Lead content: REACH Appendix XVII, item 63.
Cadmium content: REACH Appendix XVII, Item 23.
Hexavalent chromium: especially for hardware with coatings or coatings.
Step 2: Fill out the application form
Request an application form from a third-party testing agency (such as Dezewei Testing CNAS registration number: L8083 or a laboratory with CNAS qualifications).
Fill in applicant information, manufacturer information, product name, model, etc.
Key operation: List all materials of the product (such as copper alloy buttons, zinc alloy bases, iron springs, etc.). Different materials need to be tested separately.
Step 3: Quotation and Contract Signing
The laboratory will provide a quotation based on the material list and BOM table provided by you.
After confirming the quotation, sign the service agreement and pay the fees.
Step 4: Send samples
Sample quantity: Typically, each material requires around 10g-50g of samples (or a few complete buttons).
Attention: If it is coated metal, it is necessary to ensure that the coating is not damaged; If it is a composite material (such as metal+plastic decoration), it may need to be disassembled and sampled separately.
Step 5: Laboratory Testing
Sample pretreatment: The laboratory performs disassembly, crushing, digestion, and other treatments on the hardware buttons.
Instrument analysis: Chemical analysis is performed using equipment such as ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer) and GC-MS (gas chromatography-mass spectrometer).
Nickel release test: Simulate the human sweat environment to test whether the nickel release on the metal surface exceeds the limit value (usually 0.5 µ g/cm ²/week).
Step 6: Issue a report
After passing the test, the laboratory will issue a formal REACH test report.
Note: REACH does not use the term 'certificate', and the proof of compliance document is a detailed test report.
2、 Analysis of Key Testing Substances for Hardware Buttons
Due to the fact that hardware buttons are mostly made of alloy materials, the following substances are the "hardest hit areas" in testing and must be closely monitored:
|Testing Items | Potential Risk Sources | REACH Limit Requirements
|Nickel | Coating, alloy additives (such as white copper, zinc alloy) | Long term skin contact: 0.5 µ g/cm ²/week; Puncture accessory: 0.2 µ g/cm ²/week
|Lead | Alloy substrate (especially cheap zinc alloy, solder) | Weight ratio concentration<0.05% (500mg/kg)
|Cadmium | Coating, plastic parts, certain alloy additives | Weight concentration<0.01% (100mg/kg)
|Hexavalent chromium | anti-corrosion coating, passivation treatment | not detectable (usually<3 mg/kg)
|Phthalates | Leather imitations, soft rubber decorations, coatings on buttons | Total amount of plasticizers<0.1%
3、 Cost and Cycle
cost
The cost depends on the type of material and the number of testing items.
If only heavy metal restrictions (lead, cadmium, nickel) are implemented, the cost will be lower.
If a comprehensive screening for SVHC is conducted, the cost will be relatively high.
Suggestion: For hardware buttons, it is usually recommended to make the "REACH Appendix XVII Metal Complete Set" (including nickel, lead, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, etc.), which has a high cost-effectiveness.
Cycle:
Normally, it takes 5-7 working days.
Urgent services usually require an additional fee and can take up to 3 working days.
4、 Common Problems and Suggestions
1. Mixed testing issue:
If your buttons come in multiple colors or models, as long as the material is the same (such as zinc alloy nickel plating), you can apply for a "series" test, which covers multiple models in one report and the cost will be relatively cost-effective. If the materials are different (such as copper and iron), they must be tested separately.
2. Validity period of the report:
There is theoretically no expiration date limit for REACH reports, as long as the regulations are not updated and the product formula is not changed, the report remains valid for a long time.
However, due to the fact that the SVHC list is updated every six months (usually in January and July), buyers may request suppliers to update their test reports annually or semi annually to comply with the latest list.
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