As announced, ECHA published its proposal for a Europe-wide restriction on various Cr(VI) substances on 29 April. We are currently analysing and reviewing the entire document, which includes Annexes and in total 376 pages, for our members. The Vecco e.V. board has decided to publish a summary of the most important content. The detailed interpretation and further procedure will follow next week in the protected member area.
ECHA proposes to introduce a horizontal ban on Cr(VI) substances, with the exception of six defined categories of uses, if they comply with the specified thresholds for worker exposure and emissions to the environment.
The six categories described cover all uses that we have taken into account in our HAPOC authorisation, from formulation to the electroplating of plastics and metal substrates. As a member - your application should therefore be covered.
Relevant threshold values are workplace exposure and emissions via air and water routes. These values are now referred to as scientific values for the purposes of restriction.
Three alternative scenarios (R01-R03) were developed for the restriction, with consequences for human health, the environment, the economy and the EU domestic market.
The alternatives differ in the level of scientific values . The values for occupational exposure vary from 0.1 µg/m³ to 5 µg/m³. According to an initial assessment, the values for emissions to water and air do not differ according to factors such as company size or the number of galvanic lines.
The alternative scenarios are presented below:
Scenario | Exposure workplace | Emission to Air | Emission to Water |
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|
|
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R01 | 1 - 5 µg/m³ | ELV-Air 2,5 kg | ELV-Water 15 kg Cr(VI) |
R02 | 0,5 - 1 µg/m³ | ELV-Air 0,25 kg | ELV-Water1,5 kg Cr(VI) |
R03 | 0,1 – 0,5 µg/m³ | ELV-Air 0,025 kg | ELV-Water0,15 kg Cr(VI) |
The restriction is expected to come into force in 2028.
In addition, a bridging period of 18 months is proposed.
Next steps: Following a six-month public consultation, the EU Commission will decide on the draft-restriction and associated conditions in consultation with the RAC and SEAC committees and the EU Member States.
The relevant documents can be found at the following link:
https://echa.europa.eu/de/-/echa-proposes-restrictions-on-chromium-vi-substances-to-protect-health
We are aware that there are still many unanswered questions. Further information and a german translation of the documents will be available next week.
Vecco Executive Board
We expressly point out that this document is a proposal, the content of which may still change as part of the political decision-making process. All information contained in this summary is an interpretation by Vecco e.V. and does not represent statements by ECHA or national authorities.