ECHA launch six-month consultation on Cr(VI) restriction
On 18 June 2025, ECHA will commence a six-month public consultation on the Chromates Restriction proposal, first published on 29 April 2025 Chromates Restriction proposal.
The public consultation will commence with a webinar to be held Wednesday 18 June at 14:00-16:00 EEST. The webinar is intended to explain the restriction process and encourage stakeholders to take part in the consultation.
In the restriction proposal, ECHA concluded that “an EU-wide restriction is justified as Cr(VI) substances are among the most potent workplace carcinogens” and pose a “serious risk to workers’ health”.
ECHA proposes to introduce a ban on Cr(VI) substances, with the exception of the following use categories, when they meet the defined limits for worker exposure and environmental emissions:
- Formulation of mixtures
- Electroplating on plastic substrate
- Electroplating on metal substrate
- Use of primers and other slurries
- Other surface treatment
- Functional additives/process aids
ECHA say that the potential restriction could replace the current Authorisation requirements under REACH, and that barium chromate is also included within the scope of the restriction to “avoid regrettable substitution”.
RPA, with its team of chromate and REACH Authorisation experts, held a public webinar on 22 May 2025 to present and discuss the proposed restriction, its potential consequences, and possible stakeholder responses.
How RPA Can Support You
RPA has extensive experience with Chromates, and we encourage you to contact our chemicals team to discuss how we can support you in assessing the impact of the proposed restriction of Chromates on you and your customers’ organisations, and support your submission during ECHA’s public consultation.
If you are impacted by the proposal and require expert guidance on navigating the upcoming consultation, RPA is here to help.
For assistance in preparing for the upcoming consultation, or to explore how we can support your business through the consultation process, please contact us at chemicals@rpaltd.co.uk or give us a call on +44 (0)1603 558 442.