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EN 16128:2015 – New Test Method for Nickel Release for

Spectacle Frames and Sunglasses
European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) approved an updated version of EN 16128: 2015
‘Ophthalmic optics – Reference method for the testing of spectacle frames and sunglasses for
nickel release’. This new version was published in November 2015. This European Standard shall
be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an identical text or by endorsement, at the
latest by May 2016, and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at the latest by November 2018. A
comparison for the key changes between EN 16128:2015 and EN 16128:2011 is shown below.
Comparison between EN 16128:2015 and EN 16128:2011
EN 16128:2015 EN 16128:2011
Title Ophthalmic optics. Reference method for the Reference test method for release of nickel
testing of spectacle frames and sunglasses from those parts of spectacle frames and
for nickel release sunglasses intended to come into close and
prolonged contact with the skin
Scope Parts of metal spectacle frames and those Parts of spectacle frames and sunglasses
metal parts of combination spectacle frames, intended to come into direct and prolonged
ready-to-wear spectacles, sunglasses and contact with the skin
other items for eye and face protection that
are intended to come into direct and
prolonged contact with the skin of the wearer
Principle Test part with organic coating The parts to be tested for nickel release are
 Coating test is based on Electrochemical placed in an artificial sweat test solution for 1
Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) to week. The concentration of dissolved nickel in
ensure the organic coating is of sufficient the solution is determined by appropriate
quality to prevent the release of nickel analytical method.
from the test part which does not exceed
the regulatory limit.
 Non-compliant test parts may be subject
to the migration test.
Test part without organic coating or metal
plating and made of homogeneous alloys or
metals do not require the simulation of wear
and corrosion according to EN 12472
 Migration test - Nickel release form a
part to be tested are placed on a test
paper with artificial sweat test solution
for 1 week. The concentration of nickel
released into the test paper is extracted
by nitric acid and determined by
appropriate analytical method.
Sweat  Sodium hydroxide solution  Ammonium solution
solution  Sodium chloride  Sodium chloride
 Lactic acid  Lactic acid
 Urea  Urea
Result EIS test: Impedance 3.0 x 105 Ω•cm2 is Multiply the result by 0.1 to obtain an adjusted
interpretation deemed compliant analytical figure and compare with the nickel
Migration test : < 0.76 µg/cm2/week is release limit 0,5 μg/cm2/week under EU
deemed compliant (include measurement REACH Annex XVII
uncertainty)

CONTACT INFORMATION:
If you have any comments and/or questions regarding these requirements, please contact your customer
service representative.

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Copyright © 2016 Bureau Veritas Consumer Products Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved. March 2016, Bulletin 16B-011