Steps for obtaining a REACH test report for metal zippers in the EU
Date：2026-06-29 09:38:42 Classification
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Steps for obtaining a REACH test report for metal zippers in the EU
Metal zippers are common accessories for clothing, bags, shoes, and other products. Exporting them to the EU requires compliance with REACH regulations. The following is the complete testing process:
I. Preliminary Preparation Stage
1. Clarify Testing Requirements
Regulatory Basis: EU REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006
Core Lists: SVHC Candidate List (247 items) and Annex XVII Restriction List
Key Concerns for Metal Zippers:
Lead (Pb): Annex XVII limit < 0.05% (new regulation in 2021)
Cadmium (Cd): Limit < 0.01%
Hexavalent Chromium (Cr⁶⁺): Limit < 0.0003%
Nickel Release: Long-term skin contact < 0.5 μg/cm²/week
2. Select a Testing Institution
Prioritize third-party laboratories with ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Recommended Institution: Dezewei Testing CNAS Registration No.: L8083
Confirm the credibility of the laboratory report in the EU.
II. Sample Preparation Stage
3. Sample Breakdown and Sampling
Metal zippers typically require sampling and testing of different parts:
| Sampling Area | Key Testing Points
| Zipper Teeth (Metal) | Lead, Cadmium, Nickel Release
| Fabric Tape (Polyester/Cotton) | Azo Dyes, Formaldehyde
| Zipper Handle/Pull Sheet | Lead, Cadmium, Nickel Release
| Coating/Electroplating | Hexavalent Chromium, Lead, Cadmium
| Dyed Fabric Tape | Azo Dyes (22 types)
It is recommended to sample each material/color separately, with each sample suggested to be 20-30 cm in length or 5-10 parts.
4. Complete the Application Form
Client/Company Information
Product Name, Model, Batch
Testing Items (Select according to customer or regulatory requirements)
Testing Method Standard Selection
III. Testing Implementation Stage
5. Laboratory Testing
Heavy Metal Testing:
Lead, Cadmium: ICP-OES / ICP-MS (EPA 3050B, EN 16711-1)
Hexavalent Chromium: UV-Vis Spectrophotometry (ISO 17075)
Nickel Release: EN 1811 + EN 12472
Chemical Substance Testing:
Azo Dyes: GC-MS / HPLC (EN 14362-1/-2, 22 Restricted Amines)
Formaldehyde: Spectrophotometry (ISO 14184-1)
Testing Cycle: Routine 5-7 working days, Expedited 2-3 working days
6. Report Issuance
After completing the testing, the laboratory will issue a REACH compliant test report, which includes:
✅ Report number and issuance date
✅ Client and sample information
✅ Testing items and method basis
✅ Comparison of test data and limits for each substance
✅ Compliance judgment conclusion (qualified/unqualified)
✅ Stamp and signature of the testing institution
IV. Subsequent Compliance Stage
7. SVHC Screening and Information Disclosure
If SVHC substances are detected and the content is > 0.1% w/w:
Information must be communicated to downstream (manufacturers, retailers)
Consumers can check free of charge within 45 days
Submit information to the ECHA SCIP database
Common SVHCs to be aware of in zippers: Lead and its compounds, Cadmium and its compounds, Hexavalent chromium compounds, Phthalate (if plastic parts are used)
8. Report Use and Archiving
The report is used for customs clearance, customer factory inspections, and e-commerce platform entry.
It is recommended to retain the report for at least 5 years.
It is recommended to establish an annual random inspection mechanism for multiple batches of products.
Risk Warning
1. Since 2021, the EU has tightened its control over lead content (lead content in metal and alloy parts < 0.05%), with metal zippers being a key target for regulation.
2. In EU RAPEX recall cases, excessive lead and cadmium levels in metal components are a common cause.
3. It is recommended to use environmentally friendly materials during the product design phase to mitigate risks at the source.
Friendly reminder: Testing items and limits need to be adjusted according to the actual use of the zipper (whether it will be in prolonged contact with skin, or is it a children's product). For pricing information on specific items or testing requirements for other materials, please feel free to contact us!
Shen Gongwang Security: 44030602006947