The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing since 1989
  

  -----

EU Compliance with Chromate Restriction

2005

From my understanding, the EU directive for RoHS basically bans chromates, hex chromium, for plating associated with electrical and electrical related products. If the chromating process is unrelated to these types of products, lets say from production of a chair for aircraft, am I correct at assuming that this ban is not applicable?

Are there other EU directives that I should be aware that ban chromates? We have a customer reference EU directives 2003/105/EC and 2004/73/EC related to banning chromates. I reviewed these directives and they did not seem to apply to the specific situation.

I appreciate any insight.

Jim

James Rabideau
- Green Bay, Wisconsin

Essentially your assumption is correct. The RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) Regulations which is part of the WEEE (Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment)Regulations prohibits the use of CR6 in the manufacturing process.Additionally the EOLVD (End of Life Vehicle Directive) prohibits the use of Cr6 and other substances in automotive manufacture. Looking at things logically, the tide has turned against the use of Cr6 and it can only be a matter of time before it's use is prohibited entirely. It makes sense to change now at a time of your choosing rather than be forced into changing when it may not be convenient.

J Martin
- Wales, U.K.
2005