Changes have been introduced to The Nickel Directive since late 2005.which had been introduced and implemented in the EU to deal with the sensitivities and reactions caused by nickel. The new Legislation has made major changes;

When used for piercing purposes(ie.contact with broken skin) it must now comply with a level of nickel release,and not a level of nickel content as was previously the case.

There is no longer any differation between jewellery to be worn during the epithalisation period after piercing and those which are to be worn in a completely healed wound.

The new legislation in respect to 316L Stainless steel for example. some of these alloys can have a nickel content of over 10%, but release very little nickel.which have been widely used in the medical industry, but up until now have not been compliant with the directive.

Under these new regulations the permissible release rate for jewellery will be lower at less than 0.2ug/cm2 week. as opposed to not exceeding 0.5ug/cm2 week for items in direct and prolonged contact with the skin.

etnico has tested their jewellery, with the assay office, which means we can assure our customers that our jewellery falls in line with this Directive.We stock a full range of jewellery highly recommended for initial piercing's.