The NATCP examines the heavy metal content of jewelry

In common parlance, "costume jewellery" generally refers to fashion jewellery made of non-precious metals or with only a very thin precious metal coating, such as earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, brooches, anklets, etc. These pieces of jewellery, as products intended for consumers and coming into direct contact with the skin, may pose significant chemical and health risks, especially if they contain dangerous or restricted substances in impermissible amounts. The products are widely available, often at low prices, with a significant proportion originating from third countries and mainly available in Far Eastern shops and on the internet. All this justifies increased market supervision and product safety checks.

Metal jewellery that comes into contact with the skin often causes contact allergies and eczemas. Objects that come into direct or long-term contact with the skin are particularly dangerous, because heavy metals can be released and absorbed through the skin. Therefore, the primary objective of the test conducted by the NATCP's Food and Chemical Laboratory is to screen out unsafe cadmium- and lead-containing jewelry bracelets, necklaces, and rings.

Sampling will be carried out by government agencies under the professional supervision of the NATCP, covering a wide range of locations, including shopping centers, department stores, Far Eastern stores, and online stores.

Based on the results of previous laboratory tests, it is clearly necessary to check the heavy metal content of jewellery: there are many metal products on the market that come into contact with the skin and may contain toxic heavy metals in prohibited quantities as poorly chosen raw material components or contaminants.

The NATCP and the government agencies under its professional supervision take decisive action to ensure consumer safety and take the necessary official measures to remove dangerous products from the market.