In February 2023, the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) introduced a revised edition of the reference test method for nickel release, referred to as EN 1811:2023. This updated version replaced the previous edition EN 1811:2011+A1:2015, as mentioned in Insight Vol. 1347.
On 20 December 2023, the European Union (EU) published the official Journal C/2023/1604, officially adopting the EN 1811:2023 as the harmonized standard for nickel release testing. This adoption applies to entry 27 of Annex XVII to REACH Regulation (EC) No.1907/2006.
With immediate effect, the following updated standards shall be used to demonstrate the product is compliance with entry 27 of Annex XVII to REACH regulation (EC) No.1907/2006.
| Harmonised Standards for EU REACH Annex XVII Entry 27 Nickel Release |
| EN 1811:2023 Reference test method for release of nickel from all post assemblies which are inserted into pierced parts of the human body and articles intended to come into direct and prolonged contact with the skin. |
| EN 12472:2020 Method for the simulation of accelerated wear and corrosion for the detection of nickel release from coated items |
| EN 16128:2015 Ophthalmic optics – Reference method for the testing of spectacle frames and sunglasses for nickel release |
May the dragon bring you prosperity and energy in the new year.
Helsinki, 23 January 2024 – The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has added five new chemicals to the candidate list of substances of very high concern (SVHC), becoming the 30th SVHC substances. The Candidate List of SVHC now contains 240 entries for chemicals. ECHA has also updated the existing entry for dibutyl phthalate that was added to the Candidate List of SVHC in October 2008 to include its endocrine disrupting properties for the environment.
Entries added to the Candidate List on 23 January 2024 and their properties:
| No | Substances Name | EC No. | CAS No. | Reason for Proposing | Use |
| 1 | 2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenol (2,4,6-TTBP) | 211-989-5 | 732-26-3 | Toxic for reproduction (Article 57c) Persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT) (Article 57d) | Manufacture of another substance; formulation of mixtures and in fuel products |
| 2 | 2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenol (UV-329) | 221-573-5 | 3147-75-9 | Very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB) (Article 57e) | Air care products, coating products, adhesives and sealants, lubricants and greases, polishes and waxes and washing and cleaning products. |
| 3 | 2-(dimethylamino)-2-[(4-methylphenyl)methyl]-1-[4-(morpholin-4-yl)phenyl]butan-1-one | 438-340-0 | 119344-86-4 | Toxic for reproduction (Article 57c) | Inks and toners, coating products. |
| 4 | Bumetrizole (UV-326) | 223-445-4 | 3896-11-5 | Very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB) (Article 57e) | Coating products, adhesives and sealants and washing and cleaning products. |
| 5 | Oligomerisation and alkylation reaction products of 2-phenylpropene and phenol | 700-960-7 | – | Very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB) (Article 57e) | Adhesives and sealants, coating products, fillers, putties, plasters, modelling clay, inks and toners and polymers. |
Dibutyl phthalate (updated entry)
| Substances Name | EC No. | CAS No. | New Add Properties | Use |
| Dibutyl phthalate | 201-557-4 | 84-74-2 | Endocrine disrupting properties (Article 57(f) – environment) | Metal working fluids, washing and cleaning products, laboratory chemicals and polymers. |
Under REACH, companies have legal obligations when their substance is included – either on its own, in mixtures or in articles – in the Candidate List.
If an article contains a Candidate List substance above a concentration of 0.1 % (weight by weight), suppliers have to give their customers and consumers information on how to use it safely. Consumers have the right to ask suppliers if the products they buy contain substances of very high concern. Importers and producers of articles have to notify ECHA if their article contains a Candidate List substance within six months from the date it has been included in the list (23 January 2024).
Under the Waste Framework Directive, companies also have to notify ECHA if the articles they produce contain substances of very high concern in a concentration above 0.1 % (weight by weight). This notification is published in ECHA’s database of substances of concern in products (SCIP).
At CMA Testing, we have a team of qualified specialists and cutting-edge equipment to offer you complete REACH solutions and SVHC screening services.
The Tokyo International Gift Show 2024
Date: 6th February 2024 to 8th February 2024
Venue: Tokyo Big Sight
CMA Testing is delighted to join this 3-day mega event and showcase our diverse testing services to visitors from all around the world.
The new amendments apply to the 17 designated Chinese herbal medicines in the schedule of the Chinese Medicine Ordinance (Cap. 549 of the Laws of Hong Kong) (“the Ordinance”). The revised limits for heavy metals and toxic elements standards have come into effect on 31 December 2023, and a grace period of 12 months will be implemented thereafter (i.e., until 30 December 2024) for businesses to be able to adapt to the related amendments.
For details of the latest arrangement on revised limits of heavy metals and toxic elements in Chinese herbal medicines (Chinese version only), please visit: https://www.cmro.gov.hk/html/eng/whats_new/letter_trader.html
During 8-11 January 2024, CMA Testing will be exhibiting at the HKTDC Hong Kong Toys and Games Fair 2024! We cordially invite you to visit us at booth 3C-B38. At CMA Testing, our extensive array of testing and certification experience allows us to perform different tests and certify to both international and local standards for a board range of toys and electrical products.
Date: 8 – 11 January 2024
Venue: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Booth No.: 3C-B38