REACH Compliance Testing
The UK and EU regulation to protect human health and the environment from the risks that can be posed by chemical substances.
Ensuring Safety in Jewellery & Precious Metals
Businesses placing jewellery, watches and consumer products on the UK and EU markets must ensure compliance with REACH regulations. Birmingham Assay Office provides independent, UKAS-accredited REACH and General Product Safety Regulations compliance testing services in the UK to help manufacturers, retailers, importers and brands demonstrate that their products meet chemical safety requirements.
Our specialist laboratory tests for restricted substances including nickel, lead and cadmium, providing the evidence businesses need to meet regulatory obligations, protect consumers and reduce commercial risk. Our experts can help you navigate UK & EU REACH requirements with confidence.
What is REACH Compliance Testing?
REACH stands for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals.
The legislation controls the use of potentially hazardous substances in products sold throughout the UK and Europe. For jewellery and wearable products, REACH regulations place restrictions on substances that may cause harm to consumers or the environment.
REACH Compliance Testing confirms whether products contain restricted substances above permitted limits and provides documented evidence that products have been assessed against relevant regulations. Businesses are responsible for ensuring compliance before products are placed on the market.
REACH Compliance Testing for Jewellery
Jewellery is one of the most commonly tested product categories under REACH due to prolonged skin contact and the potential presence of restricted substances.
Our laboratory supports jewellery businesses with accurate testing and clear reporting suitable for compliance records and due diligence documentation.
Testing is particularly important for businesses importing jewellery and accessories from outside the UK, where manufacturing controls may differ from UK regulatory requirements.
What Substances Are Tested Under REACH?
Nickel Release Testing
Nickel is one of the most common causes of contact dermatitis and skin allergies. Products intended for direct and prolonged skin contact must comply with nickel release limits.
Lead Testing
Lead is heavily restricted due to its potential impact on human health.
Testing helps verify that jewellery components comply with applicable concentration limits.
Cadmium Testing
Cadmium is restricted because of its toxicity and environmental impact.
It can sometimes be found in low-cost alloys, imported jewellery components and decorative elements.
Coatings and Surface Treatments
Plating, solders, coatings and decorative finishes can also contain restricted substances and should be assessed where relevant.
Our analytical laboratory can identify these substances and provide evidence of compliance.
AnchorCert Protect
Our proprietary, UKAS-accredited test supports REACH compliance requirements. AnchorCert Protect is the most comprehensive jewellery compliance test available in the UK. Developed by Birmingham Assay Office, it tests for 16 allergens including nickel release, as well as toxic lead content and cadmium content, supporting both REACH and General Product Safety Regulations [link] requirements in a single programme. AnchorCert Protect reduces cost, turnaround time, and administrative complexity for businesses of all sizes.
AnchorCert Protect Covers:
- 16-metal hypoallergenic screen (incl. Cr, Co, Cu, Pd, Au)
- Cadmium content — alloys, coatings & components
- Lead content — restricted substance screening
- Nickel release testing
What Happens If Your Products Fail REACH Compliance?
Failure to comply with UK and EU REACH can result in:
- Product withdrawals
- Product recalls
- Retailer delisting
- Border seizures
- Trading Standards investigations
- Financial penalties
- Reputational damage
For brands, the commercial impact can often be greater than the regulatory consequences. Failed products can disrupt launches and reduce consumer confidence.
Proactive testing before products reach the market is the most effective way to minimise compliance risk.
Why Choose Birmingham Assay Office?
UKAS-Accredited Laboratory
Testing is conducted within our ISO/IEC 17025 UKAS-accredited analytical laboratory, providing confidence in the accuracy and reliability of results.
Jewellery Testing Specialists
Unlike general testing laboratories, Birmingham Assay Office specialises in jewellery, precious metals and wearable products, giving clients access to sector-specific expertise.
Independent and Trusted
For more than 250 years Birmingham Assay Office has helped protect consumers and maintain trust within the jewellery industry through independent testing and verification services.
Practical Compliance Support
Our team helps businesses understand testing requirements, interpret results and build robust compliance records that demonstrate due diligence.
Fast Turnaround Times
We understand the pressures of product launches and retail deadlines and work closely with clients to deliver testing efficiently and professionally.
FAQs
Is REACH Testing Mandatory in the UK?
Products must comply with UK REACH restrictions where applicable. Testing is the most reliable way to demonstrate compliance and support due diligence.
What Is the Difference Between UK REACH and EU Reach?
UK REACH applies in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales), while EU REACH applies throughout the European Union and Northern Ireland. Although many requirements are similar, businesses selling products in multiple markets should ensure they understand the specific obligations that apply in each region.
How Often Should Jewellery Be Tested for REACH Compliance?
Compliance with REACH is not a one-time requirement, it requires ongoing testing to account for changes in materials, suppliers, or manufacturing processes. Businesses should conduct regular batch testing to:
- Maintain compliance as regulations evolve.
- Identify and address potential risks before products reach the market.
- Protect consumers from exposure to harmful substances.
Regular testing is the best way to ensure product safety and avoid legal or financial consequences.
Who Is Responsible for REACH Compliance?
Responsibility for REACH compliance may fall on manufacturers, importers, distributors and brands placing products on the market. Businesses should ensure they have appropriate evidence to demonstrate that their products meet applicable regulatory requirements.
What Is the Most Common REACH Failure in Jewellery?
Nickel release, lead content and cadmium content are among the most common areas of concern for jewellery products.
What Happens if a Product Fails REACH Testing
Products that fail REACH testing may be subject to product recalls, withdrawal from sale, enforcement action, retailer rejection or reputational damage. Identifying compliance issues before products reach the market can help businesses avoid costly disruptions and protect consumer confidence.
What is the difference between REACH and GPSR?
REACH focuses on chemical restrictions and substances of concern. GPSR focuses on general consumer product safety — ensuring products do not pose a risk under normal use conditions. For jewellery and accessories, both apply. AnchorCert Protect addresses requirements under both frameworks in a single test programme.
What is AnchorCert Protect?
AnchorCert Protect is Birmingham Assay Office’s proprietary test, accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 by UKAS (Laboratory No. 0126). It covers nickel release, lead and cadmium content, and screening for 16 allergenic metals.
Read more about AnchorCert Protect here.
