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:

• Using a control device in the emission collection system that limits point source emissions to 0.03 mg/dscm. Facilities that choose this method must conduct a release test to verify that emissions are less than 0.03 mg/dscm every five years. Facilities using this method must submit:
  • A release test notice (PDF) at least 30 days before performing the release test. The notice must specify the 3-day period within which the test will be performed
  • A release test report (PDF) within 75 days after the last sample is taken for the test
• Reducing the surface tension of the plating solution containing HVC compounds. The surface tension in the tank must be less than 35 dynes/cm (if measured with a tensiometer) or 45 dynes/cm (if measured with a stalagmometer). Facilities using this control method must submit:
  • A surface tension report twice per calendar year by July 31st and January 31st, that includes results for the previous 6 months. Templates for this report can be requested by emailing chrome@ec.gc.ca.
• Using a closed tank cover to control the release of HVC compounds while chromium electroplating, chromium anodizing or reverse etching.

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:

• Starting chromium electroplating, chromium anodizing or reverse etching activities
• Changing the method of controlling the release of HVC compounds
• Changing the surface tension measurement method
• Changing the number of tanks in use (i.e., adding a new tank, or stopping operations of a tank)

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:

• Improve consistency between the French and English versions of the Regulations.
• Improve the clarity of the regulatory text related to laboratory accreditation.
• Provide regulated parties with more flexibility to choose from various tensiometers available on the market.

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