Q: Why does nickel release matter for childrenswear zippers?
Nickel release matters because prolonged skin contact with nickel-releasing metal can cause sensitisation, and children's skin is in contact with a zipper all day. The parts that touch skin are the ones that need evidence, not the zipper as a whole.
- Identify which parts touch skin: slider, puller, teeth on an open chain.
- Ask the maker for the base metal and coating of each part in contact.
- Check whether the finish is a barrier coating or bare metal.
- Review test reports for the specific part and finish, not the zipper as a whole.
- Confirm the requirement that applies to the destination market and age group.
A coated part is only protective while the coating is intact, so wear and plating peel matter. Requirements differ by market and product type, and the brand's own restricted-substance list should decide the limit rather than a remembered figure. Keep the report with the style file so it can be checked at audit.