Finland refuses high level lead and cadmium jewelry

Recently, Finland safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes) joint enforcement with custom department on imported jewelry (especially from mainland China, South and Southeast Asian countries to produce jewelry) .

The staff spot checks of the import jewelry found high level cadmium content in the law enforcement process (especially soldering jewelry), the cadmium content in some jewelry up to 90%, that is against to the REACH regulations. In view of the cadmium's toxicity and carcinogenic toxicity, in REACH annex XVII jewelry (including hair accessories, watches and wrist) the cadmium content shall not exceed 0.01%; this limit applies to those which is first time place on Finland mark after December 10, 2011.

In addition, in 2012 the REACH annex XVII has been revise and introduce lead restrict for jewelry. Under REACH annex XVII all jewelry which is the first time place on EU market after October 9, 2013 the lead content shall not exceed 0.05%.

The Tukes spokesman said that Finland will not penalties and sop on sale jewelry which is place on market before December 10, 2011. However the agency will intensify law enforcement on the new imported jewelry.