What is ASTM F2999 Testing Standard?

ASTM F2999 is a standard consumer safety specification for adult jewelry. This standard primarily applies to jewelry worn by consumers aged 12 and above, aiming to establish nationally recognized safety requirements and testing methods. It covers requirements such as the lead content in base materials, heavy metals in surface coatings, and cadmium content in certain base materials. Additionally, ASTM F2999 sets standards for jewelry items that may pose mechanical hazards and contain toxic metals.

ASTM F2999 Jewelry Testing: Chemical Content Standards

1. Lead

The presence of lead in adult jewelry is regulated by various standards. Below is a list of different jewelry components and their maximum allowable lead content:

a. Unplated metals: 1.5% by total mass;

b. Surface coatings, such as pigments: 600 ppm;

c. Plastics and rubber: 200 ppm;

d. Electroplated metals: 6.0%;

e. All other materials: 600 ppm.

Jewelry components that are not subject to lead-containing processes during manufacturing are exempt from testing. These components include: gemstones such as diamonds, rubies, and pearls; paper, cardboard, and wood; natural and synthetic textiles; certain metals that have not undergone lead-containing processes (e.g., welding); surgical stainless steel; and precious metals such as gold, pure silver, platinum, etc.

2. Cadmium

If a piece of jewelry or part of it is tested and the cadmium content is found to be less than 1.5%, no further testing is required. However, if the content exceeds this limit, additional testing is required:

a. Plastics/polymer materials: Must not exceed 75 ppm of soluble cadmium;

b. Metal materials: Must not exceed 200 µg of soluble cadmium.

Moreover, if the item is "intended to be placed in the mouth," its soluble cadmium content must not exceed 18 µg. Items less than 5 cm on each side but not meeting the definition of "small parts" are considered "intended to be placed in the mouth." Jewelry containing liquids must not contain any liquids that require special labeling under 16 CFR 1500.14.

3. Nickel

There are no specific standards for nickel content in adult jewelry. However, if the jewelry is marketed to people who are sensitive to nickel, appropriate testing must be conducted.

Heavy Metals in Surface Coatings: Each surface coating (with 10 mg or more on the product) must comply with the following soluble limits. The soluble testing methods are equivalent to those outlined in the ASTM F963-11 and EN 71:3 toy standards. The soluble limits are as follows: antimony 60 ppm, arsenic 25 ppm, barium 1000 ppm, cadmium 75 ppm, chromium 60 ppm, mercury 60 ppm, selenium 500 ppm.

Body-Piercing Materials: Body-piercing materials must be from one of the approved materials, such as surgical implant stainless steel, surgical implant-grade titanium, niobium, 14K or higher gold, platinum, or nickel-free gold, platinum, dense low-porosity plastics, including but not limited to polyethylene or polytetrafluoroethylene, if no intentional lead has been added to the material.

ASTM F2999 Testing Process:

1. Determine the cost;

2. Complete the application form;

3. Send samples;

4. Confirm contract quote and payment;

5. Chinese JJR laboratory arranges product testing;

6. A draft report is issued based on the test results;

7. Once the draft is confirmed, the final report is issued;

8. Upon approval, the case is closed.