It will not be permitted to use chrome-6 in UK pre-treatments from Sept 21st 2024. At Powdertech Corby we have been chrome-free since 2017, using 6-stage Titanium Zirconium for aluminium and 8-stage Oxsilan for galvanised steel.
ALFED has recently published the following statement :-
The existing Hexavalent Chromate/Chromium Trioxide EU Authorisation expires on 21st September 2024, as we have left the EU, EU REACH and UK REACH are entirely separate and as such uses of substances on the authorisation list need to be covered by a GB-held authorisation.
The UKREACH web site UK REACH: List of UK REACH authorisations – granted and applications in progress (hse.gov.uk) lists no body or company or application that has applied to extend their authorisation for use of Hexavalent Chromate/Chromium Trioxide for Architectural aluminium or indeed aluminium.
It is well known that hexavalent chrome is harmful to the environment in extraction, use and disposal. It is also linked to certain cancers and liver and reproductive system conditions. Unfortunately, chrome-based pre-treatments are still permitted in the European Community and these could be imported into the UK
