If you need to import goods in Europe (promotional pens for example), it’s very important to make sure you are up-to-date in terms of taxes and regulations. We all remember the anti-dumping tax on Chinese porcelain, that’s the kind of thing you better be aware of as an exporter/importer.
Why would promotional pens require testing?
The one that interests us today is a new regulation From now on, according to EU regulation, testing on nickel release is required for metal components that are in direct and prolonged contact with skin. The most common examples are jewelries, watches, components like rivets, zippers and tighteners used in garments. It’s also including writing instruments such as pens and pencils.
Promotional Pens Reach Testing
What other items could be affected?
Doctors, especially when it comes to allergy, use to say that there is nickel everywhere which is not completely wrong. This is a comprehensive list of items that often contain nickel; but it is not exhaustive. Test the metal items which you come into contact with the most often.
- Belt buckles
- Bracelets
- Brass fixtures
- Cell phones
- Cigarette lighters
- Coins
- Chrome fixtures
- Costume jewelry
- Earrings
- Eye glass frames
- Fasteners
- Gold-especially white and yellow 10k and 14k
- Hair pins
- Hand tools
- Hand bag clutches
- Heirloom jewelry
- Jean studs
- Keys
- Kitchen utensils
- Lipstick holders
- Metal buttons and snaps
- Metal items at work
- Musical instruments (keys, mouthpieces)
- Necklaces
- “Nickel-Free” jewelry
- Pens
- Pocket knives
- Powder compacts
- Razors
- Rings
- Scissors
- Suspender clips
- Tuners
- Watches and bands
- Zippers
Here in ODM, complying with regulation is, of course, our top priority. During our several quality controls, we make sure that all the promotional pens, for instance, are 100% safe for the user according to the current laws. The carefully selection of our partners is also a key to success in that field.
