At the request of the European Commission, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) reported that it has assessed the risks of certain Cr(VI) substances for workers and the general public and the socio-economic impact of possible restrictions. ECHA came to the conclusion that an EU-wide restriction is justified as Cr(VI) substances are among the most potent carcinogens in the workplace and pose a serious risk to workers' health. People living near industrial facilities that release these substances into the environment are also at risk of lung and colon cancer.
ECHA proposes to introduce a ban on Cr(VI) substances, with the exception of the following use categories, if they comply with specified limits for worker exposure and emissions to the environment:
- Formulation of mixtures
- Galvanisation on plastic substrates
- Galvanisation on metal substrates
- Use of primers and other slurries
- Other surface treatment
- Functional additives/processing aids
Such a restriction could replace the current authorisation requirements under REACH and ensure that the risks associated with Cr(VI) substances are effectively controlled once they are no longer subject to REACH authorisation. In addition, barium chromate will be included in the scope of the restriction to avoid regrettable substitution.
The restriction could reduce the amount of Cr(VI) released into the environment by up to 17 tonnes and prevent up to 195 cases of cancer per year. Over a period of 20 years, the monetary benefits are estimated at €331 million or €1.07 billion, depending on the restriction option chosen. The total cost to European society is estimated at 314 million euros or 3.23 billion euros. These costs include investments in measures to reduce releases to the environment and worker exposure, costs for closures and relocations, and the replacement of Cr(VI) substances with safer alternatives.
All stakeholders will have the opportunity to submit information based on robust evidence during a six-month consultation, which is expected to start on 18 June 2025. ECHA is planning an online information event to explain the restriction process and support stakeholders in participating in the consultation.
Next steps: ECHA's scientific committees for risk assessment and socio-economic analysis will evaluate the restriction proposal. In doing so, they will take into account the scientific evidence received during the consultations. The European Commission will decide on the restriction and its conditions together with the 27 EU Member States on the basis of ECHA's proposal and the Committees' opinion.
Questions about chromium(VI), SCIP or REACh? The trade-e-bility consulting team will be happy to help you via +49/40/750687-300 or send us an e-mail.
