Do-it-yourself nickel electroplating kits can be readily purchased at hobby shops and over the Internet. These kits are marketed as an economical and convenient way to electroplate items such as automotive parts, antiques, jewellery and decorative items.
Nickel salts, a key component of home nickel plating kits, have recently been re-classified by the EU as Category 1 carcinogens by inhalation (substances known to be carcinogenic to man) and Category 3 repro toxicants (substances which should be regarded as if they cause developmental toxicity to humans).

This re-classification is a formal outcome of the EU Risk Assessment process. Manufacturers, retailers and users of plating kits should be aware of these changes in classifications and exercise appropriate care in their marketing and use of such kits.