REACH Okays Chromium Trioxide for Electroplating, More Uses

Key Decision: Chromium Trioxide Authorisations

Substance: Chromium Trioxide (EC No. 215-607-8, CAS No. 1333-82-0)
Authorisation Holder: Dornbracht AG & Co. KG, Germany
Authorisation Number: REACH/23/22/0
Authorised Use: Decorative functional chrome plating for sanitary applications
Review Period Expiry: 31st December 2028
Decision Rationale: The socio-economic benefits were deemed to outweigh the risks to health and the environment, with no viable alternatives available.

Substance: Chromium Trioxide
Authorisation Holders and Uses:
- Ideal Standard Vidima AD, Bulgaria (REACH/23/21/0): Electroplating for durable, high-quality surfaces in sanitary applications.
- Ideal Standard Produktions-GmbH, Germany (REACH/23/21/1) and Ideal Standard Vidima AD, Bulgaria (REACH/23/21/2): Etching of plastics as a pre-treatment in electroplating for sanitary applications.
Review Period Expiry: 31st December 2028
Decision Rationale: Similar to the above, the socio-economic benefits were found to surpass the associated health and environmental risks, with no suitable alternatives identified.

These decisions underscore the importance of balancing socio-economic factors with health and environmental risks in chemical use.

Stakeholders must note:

Compliance Obligations: Ensure adherence to the specific conditions of the authorisation, particularly concerning safety measures and environmental protections.
Review and Adaptation: Regularly review processes to align with evolving REACH regulations and explore potential alternative substances or technologies.
Documentation and Reporting: Maintain thorough records and reports as required under REACH, demonstrating compliance and monitoring of authorised substance use.