European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has received an updated mandate from the commission to prepare a proposal for a possible restriction on chromium (VI) substances. This update complements the original request from September 2023, which focused on two entries currently listed on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) authorisation list, namely chromium trioxide (entry 16) and chromic acids (entry 17).

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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 has been requested to consider in the restriction proposal other chromium (VI) substances not listed on the authorisation list, in particular barium chromate (EC number 233-660-5). These substances may pose risks to workers and the public if used as substitutes for chromium (VI) substances subject to authorisation, said ECHA in a press release.

Given the wider scope, ECHA will submit the restriction proposal by April 11, 2025, instead of the originally planned date of October 4, 2024.

ECHA will launch a second call for evidence to support the preparation of the proposal in June. Questions will cover a broad range of topics such as alternatives to chromium (VI) substances and how chromium (VI) is used in spraying applications. Any information provided by stakeholders during the first call for evidence will be considered and does not need to be resubmitted. ECHA will organise a webinar on June 6, 2024, to discuss the main outcomes of the first call for evidence and highlight the additional data requested in the second call. 

The preparation of the restriction proposal and its evaluation by RAC and SEAC will follow the standard REACH restrictions process. In preparing the proposal, ECHA will consider the knowledge and experience it has gained from processing applications for authorisation for these substances.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)