July 28, 2014
The European Union (EU) adopted Commission Directive 2014/84/EU, which exempts nickel in the conductive components of electrical toys from the carcinogenicity limit values. The nickel limit values, themselves, which protect children against sensitization and ingestion toxicity, remain unchanged.
Nickel’s main uses are in the production of nickel-containing alloys (including stainless steel), in nickel plating, in the production of nickel-containing products such as batteries and welding electrodes, and in the production of chemicals containing nickel. Nickel is also used in toys for its resistance to corrosion and its high electrical conductivity, for example in model railway tracks and for battery contacts.
This amendment shall be applicable as of July 1, 2015.