On May 25th, 2026, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is advancing a REACH restriction proposal for certain chromium(VI) oxides, oxyacid’s, and salts due to concerns that the current authorisation system under REACH Annex XIV is no longer sufficient to control risks to human health. The initiative was launched following a request from the European Commission after a significant increase in applications for authorisation for chromium (VI) substances exceeded earlier expectations. The proposed restriction covers chromium trioxide, acids generated from chromium trioxide and their oligomers, several chromium (VI) substances listed in REACH Annex XIV, and additional substances that may result in regrettable substitution, including barium chromate. ECHA expanded the scope of the proposal in May 2024 at the request of the European Commission. Multiple Calls for Evidence consultations were conducted in 2023 and 2024 to gather stakeholder input. The proposal is currently in the “Opinion Development” phase, with the Annex XV restriction report consultation running from June 18 to December 18, 2025. ECHA’s RAC and SEAC committees are evaluating the proposal before the European Commission considers adoption of a final restriction measure.
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