That zinc alloy buckle may look perfect—but if it contains lead or cadmium, your entire shipment could be rejected at the EU border.
REACH compliance for metal accessory components means every alloy, coating, and plating must meet strict chemical limits—especially for substances like lead, nickel, cadmium, and chromium VI.
At AceAccessory, we test every buckle, button, snap, and clip to ensure full EU compliance—backed by certified labs and documented records for each batch.
What are the EU REACH regulations?
If you sell into the European Union, your metal trims, buckles, and clasps aren’t exempt from rules—REACH applies to them all.
REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) is an EU regulation that controls the use of harmful chemicals in all consumer goods, including metal accessories like belt buckles, zippers, and hair clips.
Key aspects of REACH for metal components:
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Regulation Code | (EC) No. 1907/2006 |
| Governing Body | ECHA (European Chemicals Agency) |
| Focus Substances | Lead, cadmium, nickel, chromium VI, and cobalt |
| Restricted Thresholds | E.g., Lead < 0.05%, Cadmium < 0.01%, Nickel release < 0.5µg/cm²/week |
| Documentation Needed | SDS, REACH Declaration, lab test report, supplier cert |
This regulation doesn’t only affect fabric dyes or finishing sprays. Any alloy-based part—like a metal headband core or a snap hook—must be tested and proven safe under REACH.
What products does REACH apply to?
You may think your product is “just a fashion item,” but the EU sees it differently. Anything containing regulated chemicals falls under REACH.
REACH applies to all products sold within the European Union, including metal components used in clothing, accessories, and packaging—regardless of size, usage, or sale channel.
Metal components covered by REACH:
| Accessory Type | Risk Substance | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Belt buckles | Lead, nickel, cadmium | Leather and webbing belts |
| Hair clips / pins | Chromium VI, nickel | Metal fashion clips |
| Bag clasps / hooks | Lead, cobalt | Handbag hardware |
| Snap buttons / rivets | Cadmium, chromium | Jackets, hats, bags |
| Zippers / sliders | Nickel release | Garments, outerwear |
We help clients source REACH-safe alloys and apply nickel-free coatings to ensure each item passes customs and buyer audits—especially for orders shipping to Germany, France, and Scandinavia, where scrutiny is strictest.
How to know if a product is REACH compliant?
It’s not about guessing—it’s about testing and documentation. Even if your supplier says the metal is “safe,” you need proof.
To confirm REACH compliance, a product must undergo lab testing for restricted chemicals, backed by valid reports and a written declaration from the supplier or manufacturer.
Compliance confirmation checklist:
| Step | What You Need |
|---|---|
| 1. Material Review | Check MSDS or REACH Declaration of alloy used |
| 2. Third-Party Lab Testing | Report from SGS, Intertek, or equivalent lab |
| 3. Batch-Level Traceability | Lot number and sample ID matched to the shipment |
| 4. Document Archive | Shared folder or binder accessible to clients |
At AceAccessory, we label each metal accessory batch with a unique ID, test it annually or per PO, and store the lab results and REACH declarations for 10+ years.
If a buyer needs full test data for a random audit, we deliver it in minutes—not weeks.
What makes something REACH compliant?
A compliant product isn’t just one that passes a test—it’s one made from safe materials, under a controlled system, with traceable records and consistent results.
REACH compliance means your metal accessory contains no more than the allowed limit of restricted substances, and that you can prove this with valid documentation and test results.
Requirements for full compliance:
-
Chemical Thresholds Met
- Lead < 0.05%
- Cadmium < 0.01%
- Nickel release < 0.5 µg/cm²/week
- Chromium VI non-detectable
-
Valid Testing & Documentation
- Lab test within 1 year
- Supplier REACH statement
- Safety Data Sheet (if available)
- Material composition breakdown
-
Ongoing Compliance Practices
- Use pre-screened raw material suppliers
- Request fresh testing for color or process changes
- Apply controlled electroplating or PVD methods
We also offer nickel-free and low-lead customization for sensitive EU clients. If a retailer requests REACH-compliant, nickel-safe buttons or belt buckles—we deliver, already tested, with no surprises.
Conclusion
If you’re exporting metal accessories to Europe, REACH compliance is not optional—it’s critical. At AceAccessory, we build REACH safety into our sourcing, plating, and packaging so your trims meet the highest EU standards, every time.
