ECHA' s proposal for an EU-wide restriction on chromium(VI) substances

On 29 April ECHA published the awaited Chromates Restriction proposal on ECHA’s website.

ECHA proposes an EU-wide ban on Cr(VI) substances, except for the following use categories (UC), provided they comply with defined limit values for worker exposure and environmental emissions:

UC 1 - Formulation of mixtures
UC 2 - Electroplating of plastic substrate
UC 3 - Electroplating on metal substrate
UC 4 - Use of primers and other slurries
UC 5 - Other surface treatments
UC 6 - Functional additives and processing aids

According to the proposal, a restriction under Annex XVII of REACH is expected to take effect in 2028, with a proposed uniform transition period of 18 months.

The proposed restriction will be subject to a public consultation, which is expected to start on 18 June 2025, and which will run for six months. During the public consultation input can be provided from all concerned stakeholders.

We advise all affected actors to analyse the scope and conditions of the restriction proposal and to examine its impact on any of their own activities.

If you need assistance in analysing the impact of the restriction proposal for your business, or in submitting a meaningful comment during the public consultation, or with any other challenges arising from the restriction proposal, FoBiG will be happy to support you.