On 15 February 2019, the European Commission's Regulatory Committee voted on the authorization applications that are decisive for the continued use of chromium (VI) for the chrome plating of plastic components: A review period of four years was set for the CTAC application and a period of seven years for the application of the Fachverband Galvanisierte Kunststoffe e. V. (FGK).
The CTAC application is an upstream application by formulators and importers, which covers all electroplating plants that meet the criteria of Use Group 3. The deadline for the review period of four years does not apply from the "sunset date" of September 21, 2017 due to the significantly delayed decision of the Commission, but from the publication date of the approval notice. This is expected to be on 1 April 2019. After 2023, they must apply for an extension of the authorization or operate the affected process steps chromium(VI)-free.
The Gerhardi Joint Application (FGK application), which was submitted by almost all FGK members, was only given a review period of seven years from the sunset date, i.e. until September 2024, despite the ECHA's recommendation of twelve years. Applicants must therefore have implemented alternative solutions or submitted a follow-up application by then.
