European Commission Expands Scope of ECHA’s Chromium VI Restriction Proposal

In an effort to strengthen environmental and public health protection, the European Commission has requested the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) to expand the scope of the REACH restriction proposal for chromium (VI) substances. The mandate, received by ECHA on 29 April 2024, now covers a wider range of chromium (VI) substances in order to reduce the potential risks associated with their use.

Previous Mandate

Previously, the Commission's request in September 2023 focused on initiating restrictions on chromium trioxide and chromic acids (entries 16 and 17 in the REACH Authorisation List). However, recognising the possibility of "regrettable substitution" with other chromium (VI) substances not subject to restrictions, the Commission has now expanded the mandate.

Inclusion of Additional Chromium (VI) Substances

The updated mandate now includes the chromium (VI) substances specified in entries 16 to 22 and 28 to 31 of the REACH Authorisation List. In addition, ECHA is mandated to  consider other chromium (VI) substances, such as barium chromate, which could pose risks if used as substitutes.

To support the preparation of the proposal, ECHA will launch a second call for evidence in June, focusing on alternatives to chromium (VI) substances and their different applications. Stakeholder input from the first call for evidence will be taken into account.

Extended Timeline and Regulatory Commitment

Due to the expanded scope, ECHA will submit the restriction proposal by 11 April 2025 instead of the previously planned date of 4 October 2024. The preparation and evaluation of the proposal will follow to the standard REACH restrictions process. including evaluation by the Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) and the Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC).

The Commission's decision reflects its commitment to stringent regulatory measures to protect human health and the environment from the harmful effects of chromium (VI) substances.