Under REACH Annex XVII, entry 23, the metal parts of jewellery and imitation jewellery sold in the EU must contain less than 0.01% cadmium by weight, which is 100 parts per million. The rule also covers metal parts of hair accessories and the solders used to join parts.
Confirm the current limit and scope with your test lab before ordering, since restrictions are reviewed over time.
Why cadmium is a concern
Cadmium is toxic and builds up in the body. It became a jewellery issue when low-cost producers used it in place of lead, especially in zinc alloy castings and solders, after lead was restricted. Children who chew or swallow jewellery are most at risk, which is why the US also restricts cadmium in children's pieces.
Where it comes from
- Solder: some cheap solders and brazing alloys contain cadmium to lower their melting point.
- Zinc alloys made from recycled scrap of unknown origin.
- Some pigments and coloured coatings.
How to control it
- Specify cadmium-free solder and base metal on the purchase order.
- Prefer brass or copper bases from known suppliers over unknown zinc alloy castings.
- Screen samples with XRF in Rajkot, then confirm with a lab test of each metal part.
- Test production pieces, not only the approved sample.
- Re-test when the maker changes metal or solder supplier.
What this means for a buyer
Test lead and cadmium together, since they come from the same inputs. See the EU lead limit for jewellery. Creston & Co works for buyers only, for a fixed fee agreed in writing: we check materials at the workshop, have samples tested at NABL-accredited labs and supervise packing. Ask for a free sourcing review.