The Nickel Directive
As a result of various problems associated with nickel sensitisation on clothes and jewellery, the European Community (EC) Nickel Directive (76/769/EEC - now 94/27/EEC) was enacted on 20th July 1999, and became law in the EU on the 20th January 2000.
The directive was devised due to fears about allergic reactions and sensitisation to nickel, and has been designed to reduce any problems caused by this metal.
On the 20th January 2000 the Nickel Directive became law in the EU
There is no ambiguity - any supplier saying this Directive is not law is misguided or ill-informed. It is the law - and, moreover, both the supplier and the piercer share the responsibility of ensuring that this legislation is enforced.
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The directive is a large and complex document, but can be simply put as follows:
- Items intended to come into contact with BROKEN skin are restricted to a mass of 0.05% nickel.
- Items intended to come into close and prolonged contact with skin are restricted to a release rate of 0.5ug/cm2week of nickel.
316L SURGICAL STEEL contains between 6-13% nickel and it does not conform to the first part of the Directive and it cannot, therefore, be used for fresh piercings. It can only be used after the healing process (also known as 'epithelization') has taken place, as replacement jewellery, since it does not release nickel.
TITANIUM does not contain nickel but can attract it during the manufacturing process. This means that it does conform to the first part of the Directive, but may not conform to the nickel release directive, depending on the standards of the manufaturer...
As far as jewellery from Mokki Collection as is concerned, we have conformed to the Directive for a number of years and we are constantly checking our goods with ours exporter, on your behalf. We have been testing our 316L products to be sure that we are using the correct grade of steel that conforms to the Nickel Directive release rate, and to be sure that our titanium jewellery is being properly manufactured to avoid contamination.
Our titanium is checked on a weekly basis with ours exporter and has proven to be clear of any nickel contamination. We recomend our titanium & PMFK [ (Polymer Medical Fexible Plastic) ** se under about PFMK !] to be used for fresh piercings and our steel to be used only once the healing process has taken place. Titanium can also be used for healed piercings, providing it has been sourced from a reputable manufacturer who has ensured that it has not been contaminated with nickel during manufacturing...
Jewellery bought from Mokki Collection as is tested at great length and we have certificates from ours exporter that ussing Assay Offices passing our products before delivery to uss. We recomend that you do not buy from companies which do not have and cannot supply you with proof of quality. Both them and you will be responsible should any problems occur. It is important for your business that when you buy jewellery it complies with the regulations, to avoid breaking the law, and to ensure your peace of mind.
If you do decide to buy from other companies we offer a Nickel Release Kit, which will test the nickel release from the metal. This kit will last for 3 months, can be used for 40-50 tests, and costs 650kr
PFMK.
PMFK (Polymer Medical Fexible Plastic) is a new development in body jewellery. This material has been recognised in clinical studies as benefiting from complete bio-compatibility, which means there is no risk of rejection by the body's immune system, making it particularly suitable for initial piercings.*
Its high density means that, whilst it is pliable enough to ensure easy fitting and wear, it will not loose its manufatured shape or 'deform' within the piercing. This, combined with its feather-light weight, means that the piercing 'channel' is not strained or stretched, which can help to promote quicker healing. Also, its inherent flexibility minimises the risk of injury from 'snagging' or knocking the jewellery.
PMFK is available as both an 'invisible' product (acceptable where overt piercing jewellery may not be - e.g. corporate employment) or as a coloured fashion piece. It can also be threaded to accept a wide range of balls, cones or other 'add ons' in the material of your choice (though Titanium least compromises the material's inherent bio-compatability).
PTFE PTFE is similar in properties to PMFK, but is a less dense,
more pliable material. In fact it actually flexes within the piercing
making it more comfortable than rigid barbells.
* As with all piercing plastics, PMFK should always be sterilised prior
to initial piercing. We recomend steam autoclaving at 120 degrees for
20 minutes + or at 34 degrees for 5 minutes +. PMFK should NOT be
hot air sterilised
ACRYLIC Acrylic retainers are available for tongue, nose, eyebrow and all labret piercings. These discreet pieces (secured by small 'grip bands'
rather than by large balls) are used to ensure piercings remain open
when body jewellery is removed. Available in either clear or flesh tone.
