Standards Development

Scope

This document specifies the reference method for the testing of spectacle frames, ready-to-wear nearvision spectacles, sunglasses and spectacle frames used for eye and face protection for nickel release. The reference method supports the demonstration of conformity with the limit value for nickel release of 0,5 µg·cm-2·week-1 set forth by European Regulation. The reference method involves the procedural steps shown in Figure 1 and described in Clause 4.

This document applies to those parts of metal spectacle frames and those metal parts of combination spectacle frames that are intended to come into direct and prolonged contact with the skin of the wearer.

This document also applies to those relevant metal parts of ready-to-wear near-vision spectacles, sunglasses and spectacle frames used for eye and face protection. 

NOTE The reference method for articles apart from spectacle frames, ready-to-wear near-vision spectacles, sunglasses and spectacle frames used for eye and face protection is specified in EN 1811.

Purpose

Europe has placed quality restrictions on metal items that might release nickel ions, originally under the Nickel Directive, now under REACH. A working group within CEN has worked on this for many years, with the publication of EN 16128 in 2015 and a second edition in 2025. Many spectacle frames and sunglass frames that are worn in Europe are manufactured in other parts of the world, so that converting the EN standard to an ISO EN one should enable manufacturers and test laboratories easier access to the test procedures that are in this European Standard. (Please use this field or attach an annex).