CEN publishes new test method for nickel release in spectacle frames and sunglasses

On 19 September 2015, the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) passed EN 16128:2015 ‘Ophthalmic optics - Reference method for the testing of spectacle frames and sunglasses for nickel release’ to supersede EN 16128:2011 and CEN/TS 16677:2014. Besides, BS EN 16128:2015 has been published on 30 November 2015.
 
In May 2012, the European Commission included EN 16128:2011 as a harmonised standard for Entry 27 Nickel release in Annex XVII under REACH. The standard is almost the same as EN 1811:1998+A1:2008 technically. CEN passed the EU amendment for nickel release (EN 1811-2011+A1:2015) and amended EN 16128:2015 correspondingly in June.
 
Here is a comparison list between the new standard EN 16128:2015 and EN 16128:2011:
 

	EN 16128:2015	EN 16128:2011
Title	Ophthalmic optics - Reference method for the testing of spectacle frames and sunglasses for nickel release	Reference test method for release of nickel from those parts of spectacle frames and sunglasses intended to come into close and prolonged contact with the skin
Test Method	For parts with organic coating: the test is based on Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) For parts without organic coating: a migration test using artificial sweat solution into a test paper (incubation at defined conditions for 1 week) and subsequent quantitative analytical detection of nickel released into the test paper	Parts to be tested are placed in an artificial sweat solution for 1 week follow by analytical detection
Result Assessment	EIS Test  Impedance ≥ 3.0 x 105 Ω.cm² is deemed compliant  Migration Test  < 0.76 μg/cm²/week is deemed compliant	Test result x 0.1 (adjusted value) follow by comparison with regulatory requirements
Requirement	Entry 27 Nickel release in Annex XVII under REACH≤ 0,5 μg/cm²/week
Implementation	It becomes a national standard by May 2016; All conflicting standards will be repelled by November 2018.	It became a harmonised standard in May 2015.

【中文版】

Further information
Download EN 16128:2015