ECHA Will Propose EU-Wide Restrictions On Certain Hexavalent Chromium Substances

The European Commission (EC) requested that the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) assess the risks posed by certain hexavalent chromium substances. ECHA announced on April 29, 2025, that it has concluded that a European Union (EU)-wide restriction for hexavalent chromium substances is justified because the substances "are among the most potent workplace carcinogens and pose a serious risk to workers' health." ECHA states that it expects to begin a six-month public consultation on a ban on hexavalent chromium substances, except in the following use categories when defined limits for worker exposure and environmental emissions are met:

• Formulation of mixtures;
• Electroplating on plastic substrate;