Baar (December 23, 2025) – SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 181.25, focusing on the European Committee for Standardization’s (CEN) latest version of the nickel release standard for spectacle frames and sunglasses.
EN 16128:2025, ‘Ophthalmic optics – Reference method for the testing of spectacle frames and sunglasses for nickel release’ was issued in October 2025. It applies to metal spectacle frame components and metal parts of combination spectacle frames intended to come into direct and prolonged contact with the skin of the wearer.
Specifying the reference method for testing nickel release, EN 16128:2025 also applies to relevant metal parts of ready-to-wear near-vision spectacles, sunglasses and spectacle frames for eye and face protection, as well as supporting the demonstration of compliance with Entry 27 to Annex XVII of the EU’s REACH regulation.
Other post assembly products used in pierced body parts that release nickel, as well as articles in direct and prolonged contact with the skin, are regulated by EN 1811.
EN 16128:2025 will come into effect by April 2026 and, on official acceptance by the European Commission and publication in the Official Journal of the EU, is also expected to be harmonized with REACH.
SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that could impact their business. SafeGuardS 181.25 contains additional information about the key changes in EN 16128:2025.
Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to the original SafeGuardS 181.25 for more details.
SGS consumer product services
SGS provides news about the development of regulations affecting consumer products as a complimentary service. With an unrivaled global network of laboratories, they offer physical/mechanical testing, analytical testing and consultancy work for technical and non-technical parameters applicable to a comprehensive range of consumer products. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS’s consumer product services.
SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full CEN Issues EN 16128:2025 Nickel Release Standard for Spectacle Frames and Sunglasses SafeGuardS.
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For further information, contact:
Dr. HingWo Tsang
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Tel: +852 2774 7420
Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines
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