Chromium Electroplating, Anodizing and Reverse Etching Regulations

Chromium is widely used in the metal finishing industry because of its performance characteristics related to corrosion resistance, durability, and hardness, as well as for decoration. Electroplating, anodizing, and reverse etching activities that use a solution containing a hexavalent chromium (HVC) compound generate air releases of HVC compounds. If not controlled, these releases can enter the workplace and the environment.

HVC is a known human carcinogen and has considerable negative effects on the environment. In 1999, due to their toxic nature, HVC compounds  were added to the list of toxic substances found in Schedule 1 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA).

In 2009, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) published the Chromium Electroplating, Chromium Anodizing and Reverse Etching Regulations (the Regulations). The objective is to protect the environment and Canadians by reducing air emissions of HVC from facilities that perform chromium electroplating, chromium anodizing, or reverse etching operations.

Regulations overview

The Regulations apply to any person that uses a solution containing a HVC compound for chromium electroplating, chromium anodizing or reverse etching in a tank located at a facility where 50 kg or more of chromium trioxide is used per calendar year. Facilities subject to the Regulations must report to ECCC via email to chrome@ec.gc.ca.

The Regulations allow facilities to choose one of three control methods to reduce releases of HVC for each regulated tank at their facility:

Facilities must submit a control method notice (PDF), which indicates what control method is in use for each regulated tank in the facility, at least 30 days prior to any of the following:

In the case of a change to the facility name, address, or contact information, facilities must submit a name and address change (PDF) form.

The Chromium Electroplating, Chromium Anodizing and Reverse Etching Regulations: compliance guide provides a more detailed explanation of the requirements of the Regulations.

Amendments to the Regulations

The Regulations were amended on April 1, 2020, to:

Additional amendments were proposed in October 2022, which are outlined in a Discussion Document.

Disclaimer

In the event of inconsistencies between the information presented here and CEPA or the Regulations, CEPA or the Regulations, as the case may be, will prevail.

Contact us

National Chromium Coordinator
Chemical Production and Products Division
Environment and Climate Change Canada
Email: chrome@ec.gc.ca

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