Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Nickel-free accessories are metal trims whose plating contains no nickel, or which release so little nickel that they are safe in prolonged contact with the skin. In the EU, garment hardware that touches the skin – jeans buttons, rivets, buckles, zips, eyelets – must comply with the nickel release restriction under the REACH regulation. That is why fashion brands increasingly require nickel-free accessories, especially for jeans, childrenswear and lingerie.
Why nickel is a problem in garment accessories
Nickel is one of the most common causes of contact dermatitis. In sensitive people, prolonged contact with metal that releases nickel causes redness, itching and a rash. A classic example is the red patch on the stomach right under the metal button of a pair of jeans. The problem is not the metal itself but the amount of nickel that migrates onto the skin through sweat and friction.
Nickel is widely used in electroplating because it gives an attractive silver shine, a hard surface and a good base for other platings such as gold. So it can also be hidden under a gold or black finish as an intermediate layer.
What EU legislation requires
The REACH regulation (Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, Annex XVII, entry 27) restricts nickel in articles intended for direct and prolonged contact with the skin. Explicitly listed examples include rivet buttons, tighteners, rivets, zips and metal marks when used in garments. The limit is a release of no more than 0.5 µg/cm² per week. Testing is carried out according to EN 1811, which simulates contact with artificial sweat.
In practice this means that responsibility lies with the brand placing the garment on the market. So when ordering hardware for areas that touch the skin, it is wise to write the requirement into the specification.
What "nickel free" means in practice
The term is used in two ways, and it is useful to specify which you mean:
- No nickel in the plating – the electroplating is built without a nickel layer, for example with a copper base and a top finish.
- Release below the limit – the accessory may contain nickel in the alloy or plating, but testing shows release below the permitted value.
For most brands what matters is the second – REACH compliance proven by testing. However, if the collection is for people with allergies or for babies, some buyers prefer a completely nickel-free plating.
Which accessories should be nickel free
| Accessory | Skin contact | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Jeans button (inner part) | Direct, prolonged | Nickel free is a must |
| Pocket rivets | Frequent at the rivet backs | Nickel free |
| Press-on snap buttons on lingerie and bodysuits | Direct | Nickel free or plastic |
| Belt buckles | Possible | Depending on design |
| Eyelets on hoods | Limited | Recommended |
| External metal logo plates | Minimal | As the brand requires |
Alternatives to nickel plating
- Brass with nickel-free plating – keeps the metal look and does not rust.
- Antique finishes without a nickel intermediate layer – suitable for denim.
- Aluminium – light, with anodised finishes in various colours; used for eyelets and rings.
- Plastic accessories – polyamide, polyacetal, polyester; they solve the metal problem completely. Suitable for baby and childrenswear.
- Enamelled or painted parts – reduce contact, but as they wear the metal underneath is exposed, so they are not a reliable solution for areas subject to friction.
How to order nickel-free accessories
- State in your inquiry that the hardware must be nickel free, and specify whether you require nickel-free plating or REACH compliance.
- Describe which elements touch the skin – for external decorative parts the requirement may be less strict.
- Ask for samples in the actual finish, not just a catalogue photo.
- If your buyer requires a test report, say so in advance so the test can be planned.
- Do not mix batches with and without nickel in the same series – label the boxes clearly.
Common misconceptions about nickel in accessories
- "A gold button contains no nickel." Not necessarily – nickel is often an intermediate layer under the gold. As it wears, it comes to the surface.
- "Stainless steel is always safe." Many grades of stainless steel contain nickel. What matters is how much nickel is released, which depends on the specific steel grade and is proven by testing.
- "Lacquer solves the problem." Lacquer delays contact, but it wears off with friction and washing, so it is not a long-term solution.
- "If there are no complaints, everything is fine." Responsibility for compliance lies with the brand from the moment the garment is placed on the market, whether or not there are complaints.
Nickel free and appearance
A common question is whether nickel-free finishes look different. Nickel-free silver tones can have a slightly warmer or more matt shade compared with classic nickel, so it is important to approve a sample next to the fabric and the zip. Gold, antique and black finishes generally look the same whether or not there is a nickel layer underneath.
See the standard hardware models in our accessories category, as well as rivets and metal buttons, where the nickel requirement applies most often.
Accessories for brands from Polkom
Polkom is a manufacturer and wholesaler of garment accessories from Sofia, with over 30 years of experience and more than 10,000 articles. We work with brands and factories across Europe and produce hardware to the client's design and logo. If your collection requires nickel-free accessories, state this in your inquiry together with the type and quantity of articles – we will suggest a suitable finish and send samples.
