On September 21st 2017 the EU will enact legislation banning the use of hexavalent chrome solutions to plate decorative components as outlined in Annex XIV. This is because trivalent chromium solutions are deemed a viable alternative. This will impact all finishers in Europe along with all who export finished goods into the EU using hexavalent chromium finishes.
Below is documentation that lends support and better understanding of the upcoming mandate and impact on manufacturing both within and outside the EU. For simplicity, portions of certain documents have been graphically highlighted for a targeted summary.
ECHA Authorization Details and Sunset Date
Abridged Version of EU Legislation
EU Mandate Q&A
Legal Summary Q&A
Annex XIV Submitted Recommendations
Legal Opinion Summary of SVHC
Penalties Summary
Official REACH Penalty Source
Import Manufacturers “Only Representative” Requirement