Technical Service Advisory for users of selected Nikon Binoculars — additional information: how to confirm eligibility for product exchange.
[ 15 October 2024 ]
Thank you for choosing Nikon Sport & Recreational Optics.
As announced on 14 September, 2023 and 16 May, 2024, the imitation leather attached to the surface of certain binocular bodies may have exceeded the standard value for the total concentration of phthalate [Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate] stipulated by REACH1,2. However, it has been found that the serial numbers notified previously include a product that is not eligible for exchange. The nameplate (with serial number) was revised before the enforcement of this regulation (July 7, 2020), and products were produced with the same serial number as products sold before that time. Therefore, we would like to inform you once again how to confirm the applicable products.
In addition, we have received more exchange requests than expected for some of the items eligible for exchange, and it may take some time for exchange to be completed. We will continue to do our utmost to make progress on this issue and respectfully ask for your understanding.
We deeply apologise for the inconvenience caused to our dealers and loyal customers due to this extremely regrettable situation.
We are making every effort to further improve the quality of our products, and we would highly appreciate your continued support.
Applicable Products And How To Replace
The following table shows the potentially affected products.
List of potentially affected product names, identification symbols, and serial numbers.
| Product Name | Symbol | Serial No. | Schedule to Start Exchange Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7x50 IF WP HP Tropical | TP | 152146 - 153735 | 16 May, 2024 |
| 10x70 IF HP WP | TP | 450310 - 450939 | 16 May, 2024 |
| 7x50 IF SP WP | TP | 251083 - 251773 | 16 May, 2024 |
| 10x70 IF SP WP | TP | 650269 - 650513 | 16 May, 2024 |
| 18x70 IF WP WF | TP | 851135 - 852085 | 16 May, 2024 |
Where to Find Symbols and Serial Numbers
Please check the symbol and serial number on the following location of the potentially affected binoculars.
Products eligible for replacement are those whose serial numbers match the identification symbol in the table above, and which are marked with “MADE IN JAPAN”.
Serial No. XXXXXX (Example)
Symbol: TP
Example of Products that are not Eligible
Even if the identification symbol and the serial number match with the table above, products only marked with “JAPAN” are not eligible.
If you have a potentially affected product, please contact your local Nikon Service Centre who will arrange to take back your Binoculars and issue you a replacement. Please have your product model and serial number to hand.
Measures to Prevent Recurrence
In response to this finding, all relevant employees will be re-trained to ensure compliance with REACH. We will also further strengthen our inspection process, and better instruct and manage suppliers with regard to REACH in an effort to prevent issues like this from occurring again in the future.
We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this matter may cause you.
1 The EU REACH Regulation No 1907/2006 is a European regulation on chemical substance management that started on June 1, 2007. Under this Regulation, substances and mixture imported into the EU are, in principle, subject to Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction obligations (“REACH”). In a number of non-EU countries, similar legislation has been enacted.
2 Since July 7, 2020, strict standard values have been established for the total concentration of phthalates. (REACH Regulation Annex 17 Entry 51, section 3)
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