Chromium VI  Testing Services for Leather

Chromium VI testing is designed to quantify the amount of the restricted substance within leather and leather products. Eurofins | BLC can conduct chromium VI testing on leather for the determination of chromium VI through both BS EN ISO 17075 test methods.

BS EN ISO 17075, the internationally recognised test method for the analysis of chromium VI in leather, has been updated and split into two parts:

  • BS EN ISO 17075-1:2017: Leather – Chemical determination of chromium VI content in leather – Part 1: Colorimetric method and;
  • BS EN ISO 17075-2:2017:  Leather – Chemical determination of chromium VI content in leather – Part 2: Chromatographic method (Eurofins | BLC recommended)

Over 85% of leather produced globally is tanned using chromium, which is more commonly referred to as chrome or Cr. Chromium III produces a versatile and stable leather, ideal of multiple end uses. However, chromium VI (Cr 6) is the hazardous form of the element and can, under certain conditions, have the propensity to form through oxidisation of chromium III present in the leather. This can occur during several stages of the supply chain from poor process control in the tannery, through to exposure to conditions such as high temperature, low humidity and UV light.

 

Differences between 17075-1:2017 and 2:2017

Both methods state that if a leather sample is tested with both 17075-1 and 17075-2, the results obtained with 17075-2 are considered as the reference. The advantage of the method described in 17075-2 is that there are no interferences from the colour of the extract, and as such, eliminates the risk of false positives.

At Eurofins | BLC, it is our recommendation to use the Ion Chromatography method (ISO 17075-2) as standard.

 

How long does chromium VI testing take?    

Service

Turnaround Time

Price

Standard

5 working days

£Quotation

Express

3 working days

£Quotation + 50%

 

Chromium VI Services for the Leather Supply Chain

At Eurofins | BLC, not only do we carry our chromium VI testing for chemical compliance at our accredited laboratory; we can also help your business manage the risk of chromium VI in the supply chain. Our range of analytical testing and tools are designed for brands, retailers, leather manufacturers, and tanners to minimise the risk of chromium VI in leather:

  • Digital Chrome VI Risk Profiler: An online digital solution to identify risk of Chrome VI in the supply chain
  • Ageing for Leather: Establish the propensity for chromium VI to form within leather under heat ageing and/or UV ageing
  • Audits: Conducted by technical experts offering both on-site and desk audits which identify risk areas for chromium VI within a tannery or leather manufacturer
  • Services for Manufacturers: A range of services for tanneries and leather manufacturers
  • Services for Brands and Retailers (Member-only services): Reducing the risk of chromium VI in the supply chain
  • Chrome VI Testing Calculator: Identifies a testing frequency that is right for your business
  • Corporate Training: Learn how to manage chromium VI risks and understand chemical compliance to key legislation - bespoke training available

 

Eurofins | BLC Chemical Testing & Analysis

Chemical testing and analysis are conducted at Eurofins | BLC's internationally accredited chemical testing laboratory based in the UK, which is accredited by UKAS (0076), ILAC and CPSC (1049) for BS, EN and ISO standards, including ISO 17025. 

 

Eurofins | BLC Members Can Access the Tanner’s Guide to Chromium VI

Eurofins | BLC have created A Practical Guide for the Minimisation of Chromium VI Within a Tannery. This useful document provides Members with a step-by-step checklist of ways to reduce chromium VI within the leather manufacturing process. Eurofins | BLC Members can access this online guide through the Member Toolkits page.

 

Access Chromium VI Guide for Tanneries

 

Please read our testing terms and conditions.

 

Risks of Chromium VI in Leather Products

Hexavalent chromium VI (chrome VI/Cr6) is recognized as a human carcinogen when it is inhaled and is also classified as a skin irritant. It forms after the manufacture of leather and can gradually develop over time.

Eurofins | BLC recommend that all leather products are tested for chromium VI for due diligence purposes at various stages from wet-blue to finished leather samples and finished articles.

 

International Restrictions and Legislation

Europe – Chromium VI is restricted under European REACH regulations; the entry under Annex XVII prohibits the placing on the market of leather articles and articles containing leather parts if the content of chromium VI is equal to or greater than 3 mg/kg of the total dry weight of leather in the leather article or the leather parts. The restriction applies to leather parts that under normal or foreseeable use come into contact with the skin. The restriction does not apply to products that are sold as second-hand items.

South Korea

  • K-REACH regulation
  • Korean Safety Standards of Supplier’s Conformity

Taiwan

  • The Taiwan RoHS regulation
  • Taiwan Toxic Chemical Substance Control Act (TCSCA)

Egypt

  • ES 7322/2011 – Essential health and safety regulations for leather, leather producers and its parts.

There has also been a recent increase in surveillance of chromium VI under California Proposition 65: Six new 60-day notices have been issued to brands and retailers of leathergoods in the State of California. Further information is available in our Chromium VI Proposition 65 news article.

Eurofins | BLC Chrome VI Testing Services for the Leather Supply Chain

Chromium VI is a widely restricted substance, so it is important for brands, retailers, and manufacturers to adhere to product safety regulations for the destined country of retail.

Eurofins | BLC has over 100 years’ experience in the leather industry and has the technical capability to provide a wide range of chromium VI services for the leather supply chain. Eurofins | BLC can provide legislative support and chemical testing of consumer products for compliance at its accredited testing laboratory, which holds accreditations from UKAS (0076), CPSC (1049) and ILAC.

Eurofins | BLC is proud to work with a wide variety of organisations from chemical companies and product manufacturers to brands and retailers, testing a diverse range of consumer products. Customers of Eurofins | BLC benefit from fast testing turnaround times and one of the highest levels of customer service in the industry.

To ensure that Eurofins | BLC delivers some of the most accurate results in the industry, Eurofins | BLC regularly participates in proficiency testing programmes.

 

For chemical testing and compliance services, Eurofins | BLC provides:

  • Chemical testing at an internationally accredited testing laboratory in the UK
  • Competitive pricing
  • Fast chemical testing turnaround times - most test results available within 4-5 days working days
  • Both the testing and the understanding of the results provided
  • A comprehensive and easy to understand test report
  • Technical back up and support from chemical testing experts
  • Chemical compliance and product safety training courses for your staff

 

Become a Eurofins | BLC Member and access:

  • Discounted chemical testing prices
  • Advanced chemical support through the technical concierge service
  • Online access to chemical management tools including the Tanner's Guide to Chromium(VI)
  • Exclusive Member-only workshops on topical chemicals such as Chromium(VI)

 

View Eurofins | BLC Membership Benefits

 

Our Accreditations

Eurofins | BLC holds accreditations from UKAS and CPSC and has auditors approved to carry out LWG audits. Trust Eurofins | BLC to deliver some of the most accurate test results in the industry.

View our Accreditations

Testimonials

"We were very impressed by the speaker on the leather training course who had excellent knowledge of the subject."

Next

United Kingdom

"Smart chemical testing of wet blue saves our business time and money."

Casino Hide Tanners

Australia

"We thought every part of the Eurofins | BLC leather course was very informative and interesting."

John Lewis Partnership

United Kingdom

"All parts of the leather training course were relevant and very informative. I now have a new appreciation for leather!"

Ralph Lauren

United States of America

“10 years of Eurofins | BLC Membership has enabled us to provide continuous assurance of product quality and safety, giving our customers greater confidence in our products.”

ScS

United Kingdom

"Membership allowed us to use the expertise of Eurofins | BLC to improve our suppliers' environmental performance."

Clarks International

United Kingdom

"I enjoyed the combination of theoretical and practical training on the 4-day leather course."

Asos

United Kingdom

"Through Eurofins | BLC Membership, we have access to technical support for leather product testing, helping us to provide more efficient services to our customers."

William Lamb

United Kingdom

"Eurofins | BLC Membership allows us to develop innovative high quality raw materials in order to continue our product improvement programme."

Mulberry

United Kingdom

"I just wanted to say a big thanks for 2 great days of leather education last week."

IKEA

Sweden

"I became a Member to take advantage their specification building services and 1-2-1 regulatory advice."

Gheli International

India

"I enjoyed all of the leather course as a chemist I wanted to understand the whole process of making leather."

Smit & zoon

Netherlands

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