On March 16, 2012, ECHA noted that Denmark submitted a report recommending the implementation of several restrictions on leather articles. Since leather items can come into direct, continuous or repeated contact with the skin, if the content of hexavalent chromium (chromium VI) in the leather is greater than or equal to 3mg/kg, it is recommended to limit the use. Hexavalent chromium is a substance that can cause severe allergies in the human body. Even at very low concentrations, it can cause dermatitis in humans. Whether it is hexavalent chromium in shoes or other leather products, it can cause contact allergies. If the authorities adopt restriction measures, hexavalent chromium will be included in the list of restricted substances in Annex XVII of REACH, which will apply to the entire EU, and this ban will cover shoes, gloves, watch straps, jackets, coats, trousers, hats and toys etc. ECHA pointed out that although manufacturers do not intentionally add hexavalent chromium in the manufacture of leather and leather articles, the trivalent chromium used in tanning leather (leather soaking process) will produce hexavalent chromium during the oxidation process. However, if the leather tanning process is properly controlled, the production of hexavalent chromium can be avoided. Denmark's proposed restricted substances have entered a public consultation period, and relevant parties from the EU or outside the EU can submit their opinions before September 16, 2012. However, ECHA stated that relevant parties should submit their opinions before June 1, 2012. The ECHA Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) and the Socio-Economic Analysis Committee (SEAC) will make a decision before March 16, 2013 based on all documents on the proposed restricted substances and the opinions expressed during the public consultation period. most
