Chrome VI Risks
RAPEX (the European Commission Rapid Alert System) is sharing increasing numbers of leather product failing for chrome VI. With it being illegal to sell product in the European Union with more than 3ppm, it is important for suppliers and retailers to test their products to ensure compliance.
What is Chrome VI?
Chromium is an element that can occur in three main forms. Elemental chromium is metallic chromium and used in the formation of stainless steel or chromium plating. Trivalent chromium (Cr III) is a safe form of the element and is essential for human nutrition. It is also the form used for tanning leather. Chromium VI is the hazardous form of the element.
For the most part the trivalent chromium presents a safe and sustainable tanning chemical. Over 85% of global leather production is tanned with chromium and it offers a versatile and stable leather product for multiple end uses. In some conditions, however, chromium III can convert to the hazardous chromium VI. This is mainly because of poor process control in the tannery and non-ideal chemical selection.
Chrome VI Legislation
Following an EU proposal there will be a new requirement which 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 will apply to leather parts that under normal or foreseeable use come into contact with the skin. The restriction will not apply to products that are sold as second hand items. The restriction, which will be added to Annex XVII of REACH, has been implemented since 2015.
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Chrome VI Testing Services
There are two methods used to test chrome VI: the Colorimetric Method - BS EN ISO 17075-1 and the Ion Chromatography Method - BS EN ISO 17075-2. BLC can offer both, however we recommend the Ion Chromatography Method - BS EN ISO 17075-2, as it is more accurate and eliminates the risk of false positives.
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Predicting Chrome VI Failures
To help predict chrome VI failure, we also offer two ageing tests; a UV ageing test for ultimate assurance and a heat ageing test. Testing with ageing while not an official test can give good failure predictions.
Chrome VI Ageing
There are two primary methods for chrome VI ageing which are designed to assess the propensity for chrome VI to form in leather; heat ageing and uv ageing. These methods are either technical standards (committee documents) or laboratory/brand in house methods and have not been formally published as international standards.
Heat Ageing - the leather is aged for 24 hours at a high temperature and low relative humidity; the conditions can vary but typically these are 80ºC and <5% RH before going on to conduct the procedure described above in 17075 (either part 1 or part 2).
UV Ageing - the leather is aged for 24 hours according EN ISO 105-B02:2013 Part B02: Colour fastness to artificial light: Xenon arc fading lamp test, Exposure Cycle A1 before going on to conduct the procedure described above in 17075 (either part 1 or part 2).
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Chrome VI Auditing Services
Chrome VI Audits
Eurofins | BLC can support your business with chrome VI audits. A well constructed and controlled leather processing recipe will minimise the risk of chrome VI formation in the finished leather or later in the finished product. There are certain checks and balances that should be adopted when making leather to minimise the risk of chrome VI formation during the process and in subsequent leather. To ensure that these best practices are being adhered to Eurofins | BLC can conduct a chrome VI process audit.
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Eurofins | BLC Tips for reducing Chrome VI
- Have you set up a due diligence testing scheme to actively monitor the levels of chrome VI in product?
Eurofins | BLC? can help advise on due diligence testing for your products.
- Ensure your RSL is up to date and reviewed annually.
Eurofins | BLC? Members have their RSLs regularly reviewed and updated. Eurofins | BLC? also create many other specifications including product and leather.
- If you have chrome VI, understand where its comes from in the manufacting process.
Members can contact Eurofins | BLC for support and guidance on the tanning process.
Contact Eurofins | BLC Today
Eurofins | BLC are able to help with any concerns or questions you may have about testing for chrome VI and reducing chrome VI in your supply chain. To test your products with us, contact us today via [email protected] or telephone +44(0)1604 679999.
21 March 2017