Restriction proposal for chromium (VI) extended

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Restriction proposal for chromium (VI) extended – The European Commission has asked ECHA to extend the scope of the REACH restriction proposal to at least twelve chromium (VI) substances.

May 9, 2024 – ECHA has received an updated mandate from the Commission to prepare a proposal for a possible restriction of chromium (VI) substances. This update complements the original request from September 2023, which targeted two entries currently on the REACH Authorization List. Namely chromium trioxide (entry 16) and chromic acids (entry 17).

Updated mandate

The updated mandate now covers the chromium(VI) substances listed in entries 16 to 22 and 28 to 31 of the REACH Authorization List. In addition, ECHA has been asked to consider other chromium(VI) substances that are not on the authorization list in the restriction proposal, in particular barium chromate (EC number 233-660-5). These substances may pose risks to workers and the public if they are used as substitutes for chromium-6 substances subject to authorization.

Early submission

Given the broader scope, ECHA will submit the restriction proposal by April 11, 2025, instead of October 4, 2024 as originally planned.

First and second call for evidence

ECHA will launch a second call for evidence in June to support the preparation of the proposal. The questions will cover a wide range of topics, such as alternatives to chromium(VI) substances and the use of chromium(VI) in spray applications. All information provided by interested parties during the first call for evidence will be taken into account and does not need to be resubmitted. ECHA will organize a webinar on 6 June 2024 to discuss the main findings of the first call for evidence and highlight the additional data requested in the second call.

Standard REACH restriction process

The preparation of the restriction proposal and its evaluation by RAC and SEAC will follow the standard REACH restriction process. In preparing the proposal, ECHA will take into account the knowledge and experience it has gained in processing applications for authorization of these substances.

Read more

• Updated mandate for ECHA
• ECHA prepares a restriction proposal for chromium(VI) substances, October 11, 2023
• Webinar – Preparing for chromium (VI) restrictions: What you need to know about the second call for evidence
• Register of restriction intentions
• Authorization list
• Questions and answers from the Commission for companies 

Source: ECHA
Also read: Restriction of most harmful chemicals to “essential uses” declared

Reservation
This information has been compiled with the greatest possible care, in some cases from different information sources. (Interpretation) errors are not excluded. No legal obligation can therefore be derived from this text. Everyone dealing with this subject has the responsibility to delve into the matter!