Q: Does REACH restrict nickel release from zipper sliders?
Yes, when the slider or pull is intended to come into prolonged or repeated skin contact. Entry 27 of Annex XVII sets a release limit of 0.5 micrograms of nickel per square centimetre per week for articles in that category. A waistband slider, a neckline pull or a zip on a worn belt can fall inside it; an internal pocket zip usually does not.
Testing runs on the assembled part, not on the raw alloy. The sample is degreased, then subjected to wear simulation before immersion in artificial sweat, and the released nickel is measured. Report the surface area used and the release rate. Screening methods can be used to sort parts, but a marginal result should be confirmed by the reference method. Immersion time, temperature and the wear cycle are fixed by the method, so refer to the standard text.
A pass requires the measured release to be at or below the limit on every tested part, with no reliance on an average. Keep the report with the plating specification and retest after any change of plating thickness, brightener or barrel finish.