EU Proposes Restricting Chromium VI in Leather Articles under Annex XVII of REACH Regulation

HONG KONG, China - Oct. 21, 2013 - PRLog -- The proposed date of application is expected in the first quarter of 2015 (1).

Regulating Chromium in Leather Goods

The draft Regulation prohibits any leather articles or articles containing leather parts that come into contact with skin which contain 3 or more mg/kg (0.0003%) of chromium VI from being placed on the market. The proposed restriction does not apply to the selling of second-hand articles which were in end-use before the first day of the 13th month after the date of the entry into force.

According to the draft Regulation, the proposed restriction focuses on the risk of skin sensitization related to direct or indirect skin contact under normal or reasonably foreseeable conditions. The proposed restriction is not only limited to consumers, but also covers workers who are exposed to chromium VI compounds in their workplace, such as when wearing leather gloves or shoes.

Main Risks of Chromium Compounds

Chromium VI compounds are toxic, carcinogenic and strong allergens which are formed in leather through the oxidation of chromium III compounds. These compounds are most frequently used in tanning procedures to stabilize the hide and thus reduce deterioration and to increase the dimensional stability and resistance to mechanical action and heat.

Below the scope and test method for restriction of chromium VI in Annex XVII of entry 47 under REACH Regulation:

- Substance: Chromium VI compounds.
- Scope: Leather articles and articles containing leather parts coming into contact with skin (shall not apply to second-hand articles which were in end-use in the Union before this Regulation applies).
- Proposed test method: EN ISO 17075 (https://members.wto.org/crnattachments/2013/tbt/EEC/13_27...).
- Requirement: under or equal to 3 mg/kg.

Chromium and the REACH Regulation

The proposed inclusion of chromium VI in the regulation for leather products will bring REACH in line with current legislation in Germany for leather materials in toys and other consumer products (2). In 2010 the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) added chromium VI oxide and other chromium VI compounds to the candidate list for substances of very high concern (SVHC) (3).

Chromium VI found in leather products has been an on-going issue which is reflected by its continual presence in weekly RAPEX reports. In the last few weeks, RAPEX has released details of several products in Europe, including ladies’ shoes, gloves, babies’ shoes, children’s sandals, jackets and protective wear, which pose a chemical risk due to containing chromium VI in leather parts. Products containing excessive levels of chromium VI are constantly being withdrawn from the market, recalled from end users and rejected at borders.

References:

(1) The WTO notification (www.ec.europa.eu/enterprise/tbt/index.cfm?fuseaction=Search.viewDetail&Country_ID=EU&num=131&dspLang=EN&nextpage=1&basdatedeb=&basdatefin=&baspays=EU&baspays2=&basnotifnum=131&basnotifnum2=&bastypepays=ANY&baskeywords=&fromform=viewBasic&FromWhatNew=WhatNew.viewLast&whatNum=0&whatYear=0)

(2) SGS Safeguards 147/10 (http://newsletter.sgs.com/eNewsletterPro/uploadedimages/0...)

(3) Candidate list of SVHC (http://echa.europa.eu/web/guest/candidate-list-table)

About SGS Softlines Services

Throughout a global network of laboratories, SGS is able to provide a range of services, including analytical and chemical testing (http://www.sgs.com/en/Consumer-Goods-Retail/Softlines-and-Accessories/Textile-and-Clothing/Testing/Chemical-Testing.aspx) for various restricted substances in consumer products for compliance with regulations across the world.

Please do not hesitate to contact an SGS expert for further information.

Contact details:

SGS Consumer Testing Services
Kris Wan
Senior Manager, Global Softlines Development Office
SGS Hong Kong

t: +852 2334 4481
Email: cts.media@sgs.com
Website: www.sgs.com/softlines

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