ECHA Proposes EU-Wide Restrictions on Chromium(VI) to Safeguard Public and Worker Health

"On April 29, 2025, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) proposed a comprehensive EU-wide restriction on certain hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) substances, known for their carcinogenic properties, to reduce health risks to workers and the public. Prompted by a request from the European Commission, ECHA’s assessment concluded that these substances pose severe health risks, including increased rates of lung and intestinal cancers, especially for workers and communities near industrial sites. The proposed restriction would cover all uses of Cr(VI), with limited exemptions for specific applications such as electroplating, surface treatments, and functional additives, provided they meet strict exposure and emission limits. Replacing current REACH authorisation requirements, the proposed restriction aims to prevent the release of up to 17 tonnes of Cr(VI) annually and avoid an estimated 195 cancer cases each year. Barium chromate is also included to prevent harmful substitutions. The anticipated economic impact ranges from €314 million to €3.23 billion, while potential health and environmental benefits are valued at €331 million to €1.07 billion over 20 years. A six-month public consultation will begin on June 18, 2025, and ECHA will host an online session to guide stakeholders through the process. Final decisions will be made by the European Commission and EU Member States based on the scientific evaluation by ECHA’s committees."