Chromium(VI) Testing – Chrome VI in Leather

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.

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?    

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:

• 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
• Chromium(VI) Risk Profiler Tool: Instant identification of key risk areas for the management of chromium(VI) within tanneries
• Chromium(VI) Testing Calculator: Evaluates best practice due diligence testing for leather goods
• 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.