ECHA proposes restrictions on chromium(VI) substances

On April 29, 2025, the European Chemicals Agency brings forward a proposal for an EU-wide restriction on certain hexavalent chromium, Cr(VI), substances. At the request of the European Commission, ECHA has assessed the risks posed by certain Cr(VI) substances to workers and the public as well as the socio-economic impacts of potential restrictions.The Agency 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. People living near industrial sites that release these substances into the environment are also at risk of lung and intestinal cancers.

All stakeholders have the opportunity to provide information backed by robust evidence during a six-month consultation, which is expected to start on 18 June 2025. ECHA is planning to organise an online information session to explain the restriction process and help stakeholders take part in the consultation.

ECHA proposes to introduce a ban on Cr(VI) substances, except in the following use categories when they meet defined limits* for worker exposure and environmental emissions:

1.Formulation of mixtures

2.Electroplating on plastic substrate

3.Electroplating on metal substrate

4.Use of primers and other slurries

5.Other surface treatment

6.Functional additives/process aids

*Remark：The current proposal provides three options for the limit requirements for worker exposure and environmental emissions, namely RO1 (the least stringent option), RO2 (more stringent option), and RO3 (the most stringent option). For detailed information, please refer to Table 21 of the proposal.

The Cr(VI) substances restricted in the proposal:

Remark: In restriction proposals, different degrees of hydration of the substances identified are always included in the scope. To avoid regrettable substitution, any salt with a different stoichiometry than the specific substances listed i n Table is also meant to be covered by the restriction.

EU next steps:

ECHA' s scientific Committees for Risk Assessment and Socio-Economic Analysis will evaluate the restriction proposal. In their evaluation, they will consider the scientific evidence received during the consultations.

The European Commission, together with the 27 EU Member States, will take the decision on the restriction and its conditions – based on ECHA’s proposal and the committees' opinion.

CTT proposal:

The substances subject to restrictions in the proposal, apart from barium chromate, are all currently regulated by the REACH regulations Annex XIV authorization list. The announcement of this restriction proposal also means that the relevant hexavalent chromium substances may shift from "authorization" to "restriction". CTT suggests that relevant enterprises pay attention to the progress of the restriction proposal, so as to promptly adjust their supply chains and products. CTT can provide enterprises with one-stop comprehensive solutions for consulting, testing and training. For more detailed information, please contact us freely.