On 17 May 2023, ECHA launched an 8 week public consultation for 15 applications for Authorisation for the following substances:

1. Sodium dichromate

   - Industrial use of sodium dichromate for the sealing after anodizing of aluminium alloys and passivation of metallic coatings of actuation and landing gear system parts for the aviation industry that meet the airworthiness certification requirements

2. Chromium trioxide

   - Industrial use of hexavalent chromium for a pre-treatment step (etching) in the electroplating process for plastic materials with various applications

   - Industrial use of chromium trioxide for plating on plastic materials to create a long-lasting high durability chromium decorative surface in the electroplating process for various applications

   - Industrial use of chromium trioxide for the functional chrome plating of shock absorber rods and strut rods, cylinders and reservoir tubes mounted on passive or semi-active dampers for automotive applications

   - Functional chrome plating of mechanical components (including hydraulic cylinders, columns, moulds and various machinery parts) using chromium trioxide

   - Industrial use of chromium trioxide for the pre-treatment step (etching) in the electroplating process of small sized plastic items for various sectors

   - Chromium trioxide based functional chrome plating of semi-finished steel products (bars, cylinder tubes and linear shafts) for the manufacture of hydraulic and pneumatic components

   - Industrial use of Chromium Trioxide for the functional chrome plating with decorative character for different applications

   - Manufacture of passivated copper foil used in Lithium-ion batteries (LiB)

   - Use of chromium trioxide for electroplating of metal substrates with the purpose to creating a long-lasting high durability surface with bright (shiny) or matte look for sanitary and industrial applications

   - Industrial use of Chromium Trioxide for the functional chrome plating of food slicer’s circular blades

   - Industrial use of chromium trioxide for functional chrome plating of work rolls for use in the production of flat metal products

   - Electroplating (by a long-term contractual supplier) of metal substrates using chromium trioxide to achieve functional surfaces with decorative character

   - Industrial use of chromium trioxide for the hard-chrome plating of a wide variety of items with large dimensions and complex geometries used in energy generation and supply, off-shore oil and gas extraction and manufacturing industries

3. Acids generated from chromium trioxide and their oligomers

   - Dilution of chromic acid solution at concentrations lower than 0.1% for the use in passivation baths

Information concerning exposure scenarios, possible alternatives identified by the applicants, together with socio-economic information, is available on ECHA’s website. The deadline for submitting comments is 12 July 2023.