ECHA launches a public consultation on SEAC's draft opinion on restricting chromium (VI) in leather articles

ECHA/PR/12/37
Press release
Media enquiries: ECHA Press

Helsinki, 14 December 2012 – A public consultation of the restriction proposal, submitted by Denmark, on chromium (VI) in leather articles took place from March 2012 to September 2012. The proposal has been discussed in ECHA's Committees for Risk Assessment (RAC) and Socio-economic Analysis (SEAC).

RAC adopted its opinion concluding that there is currently a risk from chromium (VI) in leather articles. Therefore, following the comments received during the earlier public consultation and the advice from the Forum for Exchange of Information on Enforcement, the wording of the restriction was amended to enhance its enforceability and to better cover all leather articles of concern. Based on RAC's opinion, SEAC subsequently agreed on a draft opinion that the benefits of the restriction are higher than the costs. Both Committees' opinions support the restriction proposal.

In accordance with the REACH Regulation, ECHA is now launching a public consultation on SEAC's draft opinion with the deadline for comments on 12 February 2013. Comments received will be reviewed and taken into account by SEAC in its final opinion, which is scheduled for adoption by 15 March 2013.

The Agency will then submit the opinions of RAC and SEAC to the European Commission. The final decision on the restriction will be taken by the European Commission.