The Azerbaijan Standardization Institute (AZSTAND), operating under the State Service for Antimonopoly and Consumer Market Control, has adopted a new state standard for the jewelry industry. The standard, designated as AZS EN 12472:2026, establishes a "Method for the simulation of accelerated wear and corrosion for the detection of nickel release from coated items."
Operative Information Center-OMM, citing AZSTAND, reports that the implementation of this standard aims to introduce internationally recognized testing methods to determine nickel levels when jewelry comes into contact with human skin. This measure is designed to prevent negative health impacts, protect consumer safety, and ensure that jewelry and other metal products on the market in Azerbaijan comply with rigorous safety requirements.
The draft of the new state standard was adopted based on a proposal from the "Precious Metals and Precious Stones" Technical Committee for Standardization (AZSTAND/TK 36), established under the "Center for Expertise of Consumer Goods" LLC. The document, which is based on the European standard EN 12472:2020, has been officially included in the State Fund of Normative Documents on Standardization.
The adoption of international standards in Azerbaijan's jewelry sector is part of a broader initiative to align the national economy with global quality benchmarks. By integrating European standards, Azerbaijan aims to enhance the competitiveness of its local manufacturers and provide a safer environment for consumers. Nickel is a common allergen, and regulating its release is a standard practice in many developed markets to prevent dermatological issues and ensure high-quality production in the precious metals industry.
