REACH - Applications for authorisation AFA068-01 - CT

Overview

Public consultation on alternatives

Reference: AFA068-01

Applicant: ACF Howell    

Application Type: Initial

Substance Name: Chromium trioxide

• EC Number: 215-607-8
• CAS Number: 1333-82-0
• Annex 14 Entry Number: 16

Proposed Use: Functional chrome plating with decorative character

Broad Information on Use Applied for (Conditions of Use and Function): 

Industrial use of chromium trioxide for the decorative chromium electroplating of legacy components such as for classic/vintage cars & motorcycles with the purpose of creating a coating to match the original specification and provide specific performance characteristics. The metallic chromium outer layer enhances the resistance, durability and achieves a clearly recognisable improvement in the surface appearance of the finished article in combination with other important functional characteristics. This is primarily refurbishment and restoration with occasional small batch work of new parts.

The base material of components include steel, castings, zinc die-castings such as mazak and brass with the chromium plating  providing corrosion resistance, chemical resistance, hardness and resistance to wear an abrasion, colour & shine stability and surface consistency/smoothness.

The chrome plating is the final layer of a multi-step process, typically including copper plating and nickel plating. Electroplating passes an electric current through a solution (e.g. chromic acid) where the component to be plated acts as an electrode, allowing the metal ions to be deposited onto the surface. Examples of sector specific chrome coating applications include, amongst others, the following:

• Bonnet & boot catches
• Indicator & light houses
• Headlight bezel, rim & reflectors
• Bumpers, quarter bumpers and overriders
• Door frames, window frames and windscreen surrounds
• Grilles and bonnet trims
• Badges, scripts & motifs
• Hubcaps & wheels
• Exhaust systems
• Clutch covers
• Handlebars
• Pannier rails
• Wheels

List of Descriptors:  

• Life-cycle stage: Use at industrial sites
• Sector of [end] use (SU): SU 0-2
• Environmental release category (ERC): ERC 6B
• Process category (PROC): PROC 1, PROC 4, PROC 13, PROC 8b, PROC 28
• Product Category (PC): PC14
• Technical Function: Plating agent
• Article category: Not applicable

Annual Tonnage Used: 50—75kg

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).