Applications for authorisation AFA070-01 - CT

Overview

Public consultation on alternatives

Reference: AFA070-01

Applicant: Bard & Brazier Ltd

Application type: Initial 

Substance name:      

• Chromium Trioxide
• EC Number: 215-607-8
• CAS Number: 1333-82-0

Proposed use: Use of chromium trioxide for the chromium electroplating of sanitaryware and associated accessory components for the purpose of creating a coating to provide very specific performance characteristics and to match existing components and those supplied from other sources.

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

The proposed use covers the formulation of mixtures with chromium trioxide for use in sanitaryware electroplating.

The chromium plating process is carried out in a single dedicated unit on the site and is the final stage of what can be a complex process of component manufacture. The key functionalities for chromium trioxide plated products are primarily corrosion resistance, chemical resistance, hardness and resistance to wear and abrasion, UV resistance, heat resistance, colour and shine stability, surface consistency and smoothness.

Typical components, plated in hexavalent chromium, include bath and basin taps, including mixer taps, shower mixers and diverters, shower heads and roses, rails and risers, and accessories such as towel rails, robe hooks, toilet roll holders, tumbler holders, shaving mirrors and corner baskets.

The complexity of bespoke bathroom designs can involve components being sourced from a wide range of international suppliers, with uncompromising standards for finish uniformity. Components imported from China are often stripped and reprocessed by the applicant, in order for them to meet the exacting standards of customers and end users.

The applicant has reviewed previous applications for authorisation from similar trades and consulted with its chemistry supplier regarding alternatives to chromium trioxide-based plating. Customers have also been consulted, and all are of the opinion that any current alternative would not meet all of their requirements.

List of descriptors: 

• Sector of end use (SU): SU 0 
• Environmental release category (ERC): ERC 6B
• Process category (PROC): PROC 0, PROC 1, PROC 4, PROC 8b, PROC 13, PROC 28
• Product category (PC): PC 14 
• Article category related to subsequent service life (AC): N/A 
• Technical Function: decorative chromium plating

Annual tonnage used: 0.050-0.075 tonnes per annum

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).