ECHA's public consultation on the draft text “restrictions on chromium compounds” is open

The public consultation runs for six months (from June 18 to December 18, 2025) and is intended to gather input from all relevant stakeholders, including industry, NGOs, and public health experts. Feedback may cover scientific or technical issues, socio-economic impacts, feasibility and enforceability, and the scope of the proposed restriction.

ECHA has outlined three possible restriction options to limit the use of Cr(VI) substances, each varying in strictness and expected impact:

• Restriction Option 1 (RO1): the least strict, with higher thresholds for worker exposure and environmental emissions.
• Restriction Option 2 (RO2): introduces stricter thresholds. For many companies, it remains a feasible option to continue using Cr(VI) under safer, more controlled conditions.
• Restriction Option 3 (RO3): sets the highest standards for exposure and emissions.
  Once the restriction is adopted, the Commission intends to remove these substances from the REACH Authorisation List, meaning that their use would no longer require authorisation.

VOM recommends participating in this public consultation, as your input can influence future regulatory decisions and help mitigate potential impacts on your industrial activities. Active participation is a strategic way to stay informed about regulatory developments and to safeguard your operations.

More information:
https://www.echa.europa.eu/web/guest/restrictions-under-consideration/-/substance-rev/80128/term