REACH - Applications for authorisation AFA033-01 Multiple Cr(VI)

Overview

Public consultation on alternatives

Reference: AFA033-01

Applicant:
Boeing Distribution UK Inc (CT)
Indestructible Paints Ltd (CT)
MacDermid Performance Solutions UK Ltd (CT)
Wesco Aircraft EMEA Ltd (CT, SD)

Application type: Initial 

Substance name:

• Chromium trioxide (includes “Acids generated from chromium trioxide and their oligomers", when used in aqueous solutions) (CT) 

• EC 215-607-8   
• CAS 1333-82-0 

• Sodium dichromate (SD) 

• EC 234-190-3    
• CAS 10588-01-9 

Proposed use: Formulation of mixtures with soluble Cr(VI) compounds for use in aerospace and defence industry and its supply chains for surface treatments.

Broad information on use applied for (conditions of use and function):

Chromium trioxide and sodium dichromate are used in the aerospace and defence industries (comprising of the civil aviation, defence/security, and space industries, along with aeroderivative products). Both chromates are key components in the formulation of mixtures used in surface treatment processes. These surface treatment processes are used In order to provide a range of key functions including: corrosion protection, chemical resistance, adhesion promotion, layer thickness, wear resistance, hardness and temperature resistance.

At the formulation stage, the chromates have no (separate) function, therefore no analysis of alternatives can be provided.  The functions played by the mixtures are described in other applications submitted to the Agency covering the individual surface treatments. These applications also identify the candidate alternatives and detail their current availability, taking into account their technical feasibility and economic feasibility and the need for alternatives to be qualified and certified for use in the manufacture, maintenance and repair of alternatives.

Due to the complexity of design challenges, performance requirements, safety requirements and regulatory controls that must be tested for each potential alternative, and the need for industrial implementation in the whole supply chain and subsequent processes, the applicant is seeking a review period of 12 years.

This “applied for use” involves the continued formulation of mixtures containing chromium trioxide or sodium dichromate for use across 20-50 sites across Great Britain (GB).

List of descriptors: 

• Sector of end use (SU): 9
• Environmental release category (ERC): 2
• Process category (PROC): PROC 0, PROC 5, PROC 8a, PROC 8b, PROC 9, PROC 15, PROC 28
• Product category (PC): 14: Metal surface treatment products
• Article category related to subsequent service life (AC): N/A
• Technical Function: Other: No function during formulation

Annual tonnage used:  

CT: <600 tonnes/year
SD: <100 tonnes/year

Review period requested: 12 years 

How to submit comments

Provide some basic information on possible alternative(s) in the online survey below but more detailed information should be provided in document(s) prepared using the commenting templates in the related section below. A “public version” should always be completed and will be published after the consultation has closed. If you want to include confidential information in your submission, please additionally complete a “confidential version” and submit both versions as attachments.

The consultation lasts for 8 weeks (unless otherwise specified) and closes at 23:59 London time (BST).