Commission Expects Decorative Platers To Halve Cr(VI) Use For Longer Authorisations

Update 15 October 2026: The 50% figure in the Commission’s Q&A of 5 August 2024 is indicative. Each authorisation decision sets its own reduction condition, and some go further, such as a cut of at least 90% by 16 February 2029. In April 2025, ECHA proposed replacing authorisation for Cr(VI) substances with an EU-wide restriction. Its risk committee has adopted an opinion, and its socio-economic committee has yet to adopt a final one. The headline and the wording below have been corrected to match the Q&A.

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The European Commission has set out new measures in its authorisation decisions aimed at reducing the use of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) substances in decorative plating. These measures come after extensive consultations with Member States and reflect the Commission’s commitment to promoting safer alternatives in the industry.

Challenges In Approving Decorative Plating Applications

The decision to introduce new measures follows numerous discussions within the REACH Committee, where the Commission encountered difficulties in securing support from Member States for authorisations related to decorative plating. This category includes both functional chrome plating with a decorative character and purely decorative uses of Cr(VI) substances.

Introduction Of Additional Measures

To address these challenges, the Commission has implemented additional provisions designed to expedite the transition to safer alternatives. These measures consider the time that has elapsed since the sunset date for Cr(VI) substances under Annex XIV of REACH and are tailored to the specific substitution strategies of individual applicants. The Commission has emphasized its commitment to evaluating each case on its merits while maintaining a level playing field across the industry.

Reduction Targets For Cr(VI) Consumption

Where SEAC recommended a review period beyond 2028, a key component of the new measures is the requirement for applicants to significantly reduce their consumption of Cr(VI) during the review period. This reduction is benchmarked against the volumes used at the time of application submission, with an indicative target of at least a 50% reduction. If an applicant’s planned cut falls short, or it gives no figures, the Commission is likely to grant a shorter review period, in general until the end of 2028.

Ongoing Evaluation Of The Chemservice Application

In a related case, the Commission has yet to reach a decision on the application from Chemservice for the use of chromium trioxide in functional chrome plating with a decorative character. Following a General Court judgment, Chemservice was requested to submit a substitution plan, which was subsequently assessed by the Socio-Economic Analysis Committee (SEAC). However, SEAC found the plan to lack credibility. Until a final decision is made, downstream users covered by this application can continue to use chromium trioxide under the transitional arrangements outlined in Article 56(1)(d) of REACH.

Implications For The Industry

These decisions underscore the EU’s dedication to mitigating the environmental and health risks associated with hazardous substances. By focusing on substitution and tying longer authorisations to reduction conditions, the Commission aims to drive innovation within the plating industry, encouraging companies to adopt more sustainable practices.

For further information on these measures and their impact, industry stakeholders are advised to consult the full Q&A document released by the Commission.