#20.06.2017 APEAL Statement on the continued use of chromium VI in the production of steel for packaging

Following the ECHA recommendation, APEAL expects the Commission to grant authorisation for the temporary continued use of chromium VI for the production of steel for packaging.

The steel for packaging industry is working to replace the use of chromium VI in the production of steel for packaging.

Nevertheless, according to current EU developments, the APEAL members expect to be granted an Authorisation that allows the continued use of chromium VI for ETP[1] and ECCS[2] production after the original Sunset Date of 21 September 2017.

The CTACSub Application for Authorisation recently received a positive opinion from the European Chemical Agency Committees[3] (ECHA) recommending an additional 4-year review period that should postpone the sunset date to 21 September 2021.

It is now up to the European Commission to issue a decision on this basis.

If no decision is issued before the original Sunset Date (21 September 2017), the steel for packaging industry will be legally allowed to temporarily continue using chromium VI as per REACH Regulation[4].

About Chromium VI in steel for packaging

Treatment with chromium VI compounds is globally used in the tinplate industry. However, there is no chromium VI on the surface of the final tinplate product or on the surface of steel cans. The compound is used under specific conditions and according to the highest safety and environmental standards in European tinplate production plants.

This document is intended to provide an update of relevant information on current developments. For more information on this and on the alternative passivation system, please contact your suppliers.

[1] Electrolytic Tin Plated steel

[1] Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel

[1] See https://www.echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/ab92f048-a4df-4d06-a538-1329f666727a and https://www.echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/6ee57573-de19-43b5-9153-dad5d9de3c1e

[1] See REACH Art. 58(1)(c)(ii)