EC has published a Q&A document containing the most important information on the restrictions on the use of chromium(VI) compounds under REACH and the planned regulation amending the provisions on chromium compounds and their use.
In 2013, chromium compounds were added to the REACH authorization list. Businesses wishing to continue using chromium compounds were required to submit an authorization application and specify the conditions for their use. The number of applications submitted was so high that ECHA still experiences significant delays in issuing its opinions.
Therefore, in 2023, the European Commission requested ECHA to prepare a dossier for the substance Cr(VI) under Annex XV of the REACH Regulation. ECHA developed several restriction options in the Annex XV dossier, aiming to identify the most appropriate option for controlling the risks associated with these substances while encouraging their substitution with alternatives. The dossier will be submitted to the Commission, which will prepare a draft regulation amending the provisions on chromium compounds.
In response to emerging questions regarding the workflow and technical issues related to issuing permits, EC has prepared a Q&A document in which it provides answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Source: Q&A towards a restriction of Cr(VI) substances under reach
Validity of existing authorisations
The European Commission extended the deadline so that companies already authorised to use chromium (VI) substances do not have to prepare and submit review reports when a Commission decision is not expected before a new REACH restriction on these substances enters into force.
Timeline
ECHA’s scientific committees are currently preparing their opinions on the Cr(VI) restriction. Their final opinion is expected by the end of 2026.
The Commission Regulation on the restriction, which will replace the current REACH authorisation for these substances, is expected by the end of 2028.
Source: https://echa.europa.eu/sk/view-article/-/journal_content/title/echa-weekly-11-february-2026
Ekotox website: https://ekotox.eu/reach-regulation/
