The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has proposed a new EU-wide restriction on several hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) substances, aiming to replace the current authorisation system under REACH. A six-month public consultation is scheduled to begin on 18 June 2025, inviting input from stakeholders across industries.
Why Restriction Is Needed?
Cr(VI) compounds are highly carcinogenic and represent some of the most potent workplace cancer risks:
• Linked to lung and intestinal cancers.
• Harmful to workers and nearby residents due to emissions from industrial sites.
• Barium chromate is also included to avoid regrettable substitution with other hazardous variants.
Scope of the Proposed Restriction
The restriction would apply to all uses, except where strict exposure and emission thresholds are met in the following six categories:
1. Formulation of mixtures
2. Electroplating on plastic substrates
3. Electroplating on metal substrates
4. Use of primers and slurries
5. Other surface treatments
6. Functional additives or process aids
Estimated Impacts
ECHA’s analysis projects significant health and environmental benefits:
• Prevent up to 17 tonnes/year of Cr(VI) releases.
• Avoid up to 195 cancer cases per year.
• Monetised health benefits: between €331 million and €1.07 billion over 20 years.
• Estimated societal cost: between €314 million and €3.23 billion, depending on the option selected.
Stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the consultation once it opens in June. Final decisions will be informed by scientific input, economic analysis, and feedback from affected sectors.
For more information and to stay updated, visit ECHA’s official website.
Reach out to our regulation experts on chemical and product regulatory compliances