REACH Restriction Proposal Published for Certain Cr(VI) Substances
ECHA has proposed restriction on certain Chromium (VI) substances . The key point of the Restriction Proposal is as follows: There are two alternative restriction options based on exposure limit values, both with an 18-month transition period:
Option 1: 5 μg Cr(VI)/m³ (8-hour TWA)
Option 2: 1 μg Cr(VI)/m³ (8-hour TWA – stricter option)
An exposure limit value is the maximum amount of a substance a worker can be exposed to in the air during a standard workday (usually 8 hours). These values are intended to protect workers from long-term health risks caused by inhalation of hazardous substances.
The proposal introduces a ban on Cr(VI) substances except in the following six specific use categories when they meet defined limits:
• Formulation of mixtures
• Electroplating on plastic substrates
• Electroplating on metal substrates
• Use of primers and other slurries
• Other surface treatments
• Functional additives/process aids
The main policy decision lies in choosing between the less stringent Option 1 and the more stringent Option 2.
Public consultation opens on 18 June 2025 – this is the only opportunity for industry to provide scientific and technical feedback on the proposal.
Substances in scope:
• Chromium trioxide
• Acids generated from chromium trioxide and their oligomers
• Sodium dichromate
• Potassium dichromate
• Ammonium dichromate
• Potassium chromate
• Sodium chromate
• Dichromium tris(chromate)
• Strontium chromate
• Potassium hydroxyoctaoxodizincate dichromate(1−)
• Pentazinc chromate octahydroxide
• Barium chromate
Notably, the proposal includes no relief measures (e.g. extended transition periods) for companies with existing or pending authorisations – despite the significant time and financial investments made in the application process.
If you or companies in your supply chain may face challenges complying with these proposed values, feel free to reach out to us at sales@reachlaw.fi. We’re happy to support you during the consultation process.
More information on the restriction proposal can be found here: