Amendment of the REACH regulation for chromium trioxide

07 March 2025 | ODU Denmark ApS

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The REACH Regulation 1907/2006 was introduced in 2006 to protect people and the
environment from hazardous substances in a more targeted and comprehensive manner
than before and to regulate the handling of chemicals in the European Union.
Every company that uses chemical substances in production is affected by the regulation.
Chromium(VI) oxide is used in a very wide range of applications and has long been
regulated by the REACH Regulation. This substance is used in a variety of surface
treatments.
The use of Chromium(VI) compounds for functional chromium coatings with a decorative
character is likely to be banned in the foreseeable future. Numerous industries are directly
(e.g. electroplating) or indirectly (e.g. mechanical engineering) affected by these
restrictions. As a manufacturer of connectors, ODU has tackled this problem and reports
on its approach.
Interview with Mark Bingham – Head of Product Management Circular Connectors at ODU
GmbH & Co. KG.
1. Companies must comply with the REACH Regulation. In which areas does this
apply to you as a manufacturer of connectors?
Our circular connectors are given a surface treatment that not only provides a very
attractive appearance, but also meets a range of mechanical and electrical requirements.
This finishing process is largely responsible for the quality and durability of our products
and is carried out in our in-house electroplating facility.
Treatment with hexavalent chromium solutions (chromic acid H2CrO4) is common across
Mühldorf a. Inn, 25-02-06www.odu-connectors.com
many industries. Our circular metal connectors (MINI-SNAP®), which are primarily used in
industrial, test & measurement or medical applications were also subjected to these
solutions within the process of decorative surface handling. Researchers claim that
exposure to hexavalent chromium compounds can have an adverse health effect on
humans. The REACH Regulation requires the protection of employees in the workplace.
Therefore, since the so-called "sunset date" on September 21, 2017, Chromium(VI) may
no longer be used in finishing in accordance with the REACH Regulation. Applications for
exceptions have so far been under review. For decorative surfaces, this approval or
exemption application is expected to expire in the foreseeable future.
2. What special properties does chrome have that make it suitable for use in your
production?
Our connectors can withstand a very high number of mating cycles and must be
corrosion-resistant and, for the medical sector, also autoclavable or resistant to wipe
disinfectants. The surface treatment must ensure and enable the electrical and
mechanical properties. The mechanical service life can be significantly influenced by the
choice of surface treatment.
3. Due to the current circumstances, you are in danger of being subjected to a ban
in the medium-term. What are you going to do about it?
We looked into the issue at an early stage and found a very good alternative. A switch has
been made to a Chromium(VI)-free electrolyte. The new electrolyte selected for the
chrome treatment has resulted in a surface which has proven to be at least equivalent or
even better in all tests of the valid product specifications.
As a replacement for the black chrome surface, we have opted for a tin-nickel finish. This
surface has been tried and tested for many years with other ODU product ranges.
4. Which tests did you carry out on the new matt chrome surface?
The tests included the number of mating cycles, the electrical properties, salt spray testing
and corrosion resistance, autoclavability and the visual appearance (coloring). The results
were very convincing.
5. How did you manage the migration to the new decorative surface?
We have expanded our capacities with an additional turning shop and a new electroplating
facility. Commissioning has already taken place and everything is up and running.
Migration to the new surface handling processes in the production has been completed.
We have stopped all production processes where Chromium(VI) was previously used.
6. Does the change have an impact on customers?
No, our customers continue to receive our products in top quality and the warranty claims
remain unaffected. We are prepared and are already Chromium(VI)-free. Our entire
production has already been converted. If the ban comes into force tomorrow, our supply
chain will remain intact and our customers will not notice anything.