EU grants 12-year authorisation for chromates: what this means for aerospace and defence safety

Chromates play a vital role in the safety and durability of airplanes and other critical machinery used in everyday operations, from commercial flights to national defence. This is why it is significant that this week the Aerospace and Defence Chromate Replacement (ADCR) consortium, which includes many members of ASD, alongside global partners, has secured EU approval to continue using these essential corrosion-resistant chemicals.

This authorisation marks a significant step in balancing regulatory compliance with the unique requirements of the aerospace and defence industry, safeguarding the sector’s supply chain and commitment to safety, ensuring that aircraft and defence equipment remain safe and reliable.

This decision comes after a lengthy regulatory process and ensures that these critical materials can be used under strict safety conditions for the next 12 years.

What are chromates?

Chromates are chemical compounds that include chromium and are used for their corrosion-resistant properties, making them vital in aerospace and defence manufacturing processes. However, they are also classified as substances of very high concern due to their potential health risks, including carcinogenicity. The EU's REACH regulation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals) aims to control the use of hazardous substances to protect human health and the environment. Under REACH, specific authorisation is required to use chromates, which the ADCR consortium sought for the aerospace and defence sector.

The need for a new authorisation on chromates

The request for a new authorisation arose after the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in April 2023 annulled a previous REACH authorisation decision concerning chromates. This annulment created an urgent need for the ADCR consortium to reapply for authorisation to avoid disruptions in the supply chain. The industry collaborated to bundle together 21 authorisation requests to support continued use in the sector.

The Commission's decision

Following a comprehensive review, the European Commission has now granted a 12-year authorisation for the use of chromates in aerospace and defence applications. The vote in the REACH Committee was overwhelmingly positive, reflecting broad support for the authorisation. This approval comes with additional conditions to enhance worker safety, including measures to limit exposure to these substances.

ASD's advocacy efforts

ASD played a critical role in securing this positive outcome. The association worked closely with the ADCR consortium and engaged extensively with the European Commission, particularly the Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship, and SMEs (DG GROW), which oversees REACH matters. Regular meetings with Commission representatives and technical experts helped ensure that the specific needs of the aerospace and defence sector were taken into account.

ASD's national association members were also active at the national level, advocating for a favourable decision by the REACH Committee.

The advocacy efforts by ASD and its partners focused on three key areas:

1. Safety and certification: highlighting the strict safety requirements in aerospace and defence, where materials must meet rigorous standards to ensure flight safety and mission readiness.
2. Certification processes: emphasising the lengthy and complex nature of certifying materials and components for use in aircraft and military equipment, which necessitates stability in regulatory conditions.
3. Pursuing alternatives: outlining ongoing industry efforts to find suitable alternatives to chromates, and highlighting the current lack of viable options that meet the stringent requirements for aerospace and defence.

Looking ahead 

Looking ahead, ASD will continue to advocate for regulatory predictability regarding the use of chromates in aerospace and defence. This is essential to provide certainty for manufacturers and maintain the sector’s high safety standards. ASD’s ongoing engagement with the EU institutions will aim to ensure that future regulatory actions align with the conclusions reached in this authorisation process. And while we welcome the greater certainty this week’s decision provides, our industry continues the urgent search for alternatives as part of our commitment to safety and environmental responsibility.