Ensure cadmium compliance in global supply chains with precision testing and expert guidance from Neotron and Fitosoil, supporting safety and sustainability.
Cadmium is a critical regulatory and environmental concern for manufacturers, importers, and supply chain stakeholders worldwide. As a toxic heavy metal found in batteries, pigments, coatings, and industrial products, cadmium poses substantial risks to human health and the environment. Strict global regulations—including REACH, RoHS, and various food safety and water quality directives—impose tight controls over cadmium usage, content, and disposal.
Staying compliant across multiple regulatory frameworks demands rigorous testing, expert guidance, and advanced technical capabilities. Neotron and Fitosoil, both part of Cotecna’s global network of laboratories, deliver industry-leading analytical solutions that support safe, compliant, and sustainable operations across the full product lifecycle.
Cadmium: A Substance Under Intense Scrutiny
Once widely used in industrial and consumer products, cadmium is now heavily restricted due to its classification as a carcinogen. Prolonged exposure can lead to kidney damage, bone demineralization, and cancer. Environmental persistence compounds the challenge, as cadmium accumulates in soil and water systems, posing long-term risks to ecosystems and food chains.
Governments and regulators worldwide have responded with an evolving framework of bans, thresholds, and testing requirements. Key regulations include:
- REACH Regulation (EU): Limits cadmium in jewelry, plastics, solders, and paints (≤0.01% by weight)
- RoHS Directive (EU): Restricts cadmium in electronic components (≤100 ppm in homogeneous materials)
- Batteries Directive (EU): Prohibits cadmium in most portable batteries
- Food Safety (EU): Sets strict maximum levels in grains, seafood, vegetables, and chocolate
- Drinking Water Directive (EU): Caps cadmium concentration at 5 µg/L
- Occupational Exposure Limits: Mandates air and biological monitoring of cadmium in workplaces
Spain reinforces these standards with national legislation and agency oversight, including the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN), Ministry for Ecological Transition (MITECO), and regional environmental bodies. Meanwhile, global organizations such as the WHO, OECD, and IEC provide additional benchmarks and frameworks.
Industry Trends Driving Demand for Compliance Services
Across sectors, from electronics and agriculture to food and waste management, companies are facing increasing pressure to phase out cadmium and enhance traceability. Industry trends include:
- Declining demand for cadmium due to substitutions like lithium-ion batteries and non-toxic pigments.
- Rise of sustainable supply chains focused on circular economy principles and reduced chemical hazards.
- Increased scrutiny from regulators, NGOs, and consumers demanding proof of compliance and environmental responsibility.
- Adoption of digital tools, including blockchain, to document traceability and due diligence.
Navigating this situation requires more than routine testing. It calls for comprehensive compliance strategies, advanced instrumentation, and continuous adaptation to regulatory shifts.
Neotron: Expertise in Food Contact, Consumer Goods, and Industrial Compliance
Neotron provides high-precision cadmium testing services that support clients in meeting global regulatory requirements. Through accredited laboratories and robust scientific methods, Neotron offers tailored services for:
- Consumer Goods: Toys, jewelry, packaging, textiles, and electronic devices.
- Food Contact Materials: Plastics, coatings, metals, and laminates in direct contact with food.
- Raw Materials and Industrial Inputs: Components used in manufacturing and chemical processes.
Using advanced detection methods such as Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) and Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS), Neotron ensures low detection limits and high analytical accuracy. These capabilities are critical for complying with REACH, RoHS, and food packaging safety standards.
To complement technical testing, Neotron offers:
- Regulatory interpretation and consulting for evolving EU and international standards.
- Risk assessments for product design and material substitution.
- Supply chain audits to validate sourcing, certification, and compliance.
All services are anchored in a commitment to quality, transparency, and customer trust.
Fitosoil: Accreditation and Technical Excellence Across Diverse Matrices
Fitosoil specializes in cadmium analysis across an extensive range of environmental, agricultural, and food matrices. Accredited under ISO/IEC 17025, Fitosoil delivers highly reliable testing services for:
- Water: Drinking, wastewater, continental, and marine samples.
- Soil and Sediments: Agricultural and industrial land assessments.
- Fertilizers, Biostimulants, and Amendments: In line with the EU Fertiliser Regulation (60 mg/kg, reducing to 20 mg/kg over time).
- Fruits, Vegetables, and Fish: Supporting food safety compliance per Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006.
- Solid Waste and Sludge: Assessed for safe disposal and landfill admissibility.
For cadmium testing, Fitosoil uses both ICP-OES (Optical Emission Spectrometry) and ICP-MS, allowing for trace-level quantification and full traceability.
Fitosoil maintains rigorous internal controls and service excellence through:
- Comprehensive Quality Management Systems (QMS)
- Routine internal and external audits
- Competency training and certifications for laboratory staff
- Validated methods and regularly calibrated equipment
- Sample integrity and chain-of-custody assurance
- Transparent data reporting and compliance documentation
A proactive focus on innovation and continuous improvement ensures Fitosoil alignment with the latest regulatory and technological advancements.
Solving Compliance Challenges for Clients Worldwide
Whether dealing with consumer safety, food regulations, or environmental impact, clients face a range of compliance obstacles:
- Regulatory complexity: Overlapping EU directives, national laws, and international standards
- Supply chain opacity: Difficulty tracing cadmium content across multiple tiers
- Evolving thresholds: Regulatory updates and new scientific findings necessitate frequent reviews
- Public scrutiny and audits: Reputational and legal risks from non-compliance or incomplete documentation
Through specialized services, Neotron and Fitosoil help overcome these hurdles by offering:
- End-to-end testing and certification for raw materials, final products, and environmental samples
- Documentation packages supporting REACH, RoHS, food safety, and other declarations
- Training and awareness programs for teams involved in material handling and compliance
- Digital traceability tools to support ESG reporting and due diligence
- Custom advisory and R&D support for substitution of cadmium-based inputs
Global Collaboration and Precision
Operating under Cotecna’s global network, both Neotron and Fitosoil maintain active collaboration with laboratories and teams across Europe, South America, and other regions. This network ensures consistent methodology, regulatory alignment, and service scalability for clients with international operations.
While Neotron delivers specialized compliance support for manufacturing, electronics, and consumer goods, Fitosoil offers unmatched capabilities in environmental, agricultural, and food-related testing. Together, these laboratories provide a synergistic solution for clients seeking holistic cadmium management and sustainable supply chain practices.
Future Developments and Ongoing Commitment
Fitosoil is currently expanding accreditation for cadmium testing in:
- Additional food matrices
- Leaching waste for landfill compliance
- Industrial wastewater and emissions
These developments aim to meet growing client demand and evolving environmental regulations. Meanwhile, Neotron continues to enhance traceability services, risk modeling, and rapid-response testing protocols to support time-sensitive compliance needs.
Both laboratories remain committed to advancing science-based safety, driving innovation in environmental stewardship, and upholding the highest standards of quality and client satisfaction.
Partner with Cotecna’s Laboratory Network
Cadmium compliance cannot be left to chance. Precision, reliability, and regulatory insight are essential at every step of the supply chain.
Neotron and Fitosoil deliver these capabilities with excellence—empowering clients to meet obligations, protect health and the environment, and build consumer and regulatory trust. Contact Neotron and Fitosoil today.
About Fitosoil
Fitosoil is an ISO 17025-accredited private laboratory specialising in advanced analysis for the agri-food, environmental, industrial, and public health sectors. Our expert team and cutting-edge technology help our clients to comply with regulations, ensure safety, and improve their processes. As part of the Cotecna Group, a world leader in inspection, certification and analysis, we are committed to providing quality and reliable services. At Fitosoil, we provide accurate, customised analytical solutions tailored to each client's specific requirements.