ZVO presents REACH restriction proposal for chromium trioxide

In April 2025, the ECHA proposed a draft for the restriction of various Cr(VI) compounds, including chromium trioxide. It is intended to make the authorization procedure obsolete in the foreseeable future. A public consultation has been active since June 18, 2025, in which comments on the draft can be submitted via an online portal. The ZVO plans to provide general comments, although some of the questions asked are company-specific. In the ZVO online dialog, Malte-Matthias Zimmer, ZVO Head of Environmental and Chemicals Policy, first discussed the content and possible consequences of the draft restriction.

REACH restriction proposal shows inconsistencies

In particular, the draft restriction shows some inconsistencies and unusual approaches. For example, the environmental impact is to be regulated via absolute values for annual emissions to water and air, limit values at the workplace and thus the level of protection are specified depending on the use. Last but not least, it is noteworthy that the concept of limit values, which was rejected as inadequate 15 years ago, has been reintroduced. The questions of the public consultation were also presented and categorized. In addition, Dr. Zimmer discussed with the 30 or so participants how the questions should be answered so that each company can participate in its own interests, but also in the interests of the industry, so as not to leave the field to the NGOs. A small group of participants will meet again in the coming days to develop ideas for commentary.