WRITTEN QUESTION E-2894/97 by Phillip Whitehead (PSE) to the Commission (17 September 1997)

Subject: Nickel release levels for the alloy used in the 1 and 2 euro coins

The nickel directive (94/27/EC) ((OJ L 188, 22.7.1994, p. 1. )) prohibits the use of a nickel alloy with a nickel release level of greater than 0.5 ug/cm2 per week for products intended to come in direct and prolonged contact with the human skin.

Given the fact that certain workers (e.g. bank tellers/cash desk operators) have a high level of contact with coins, does the Commission consider that coins are products which come into direct and prolonged contact with the human skin?

If so, will the Commission agree that the nickel alloy chosen for the euro coins should conform to the standards for such products laid down in the nickel directive?

Answer given by Mr de Silguy on behalf of the Commission (18 November 1997)

Directive 94/27/EC of 30 June 1994 amending for the 12th time Directive 76/769/EEC on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States relating to restrictions on the marketing and use of certain dangerous substances and preparations imposes limitations in the use of nickel in objects which are intended to come in direct and prolonged contact with the skin. These limitations have been imposed in recognition of the fact that the presence of nickel in certain objects may cause sensitisation of humans to nickel and may lead to allergic reactions in case of prolonged contact.

However as has been stated by the scientific committee for toxicity and ecotoxicity 'there is no evidence to suggest that nickel in current coinage has been associated with the initiation of sensitisation either in workers handling coins or in the ordinary consumer'.

Coins are not mentioned in the list of objects attached to the Directive and at present there is no evidence to suggest that coins are concerned by the Directive.

Under the proposal for a Council regulation on denominations and technical specifications of euro coins ((OJ C 208, 9.7.1997. )), only 8% of the coins in circulation would contain some nickel against 75% of the current coinage.