BEP Surface Technologies has warned that inconsistent enforcement of chromium VI regulations could undermine environmental protections and create unfair competition within the surface engineering sector, one year after long-term authorisation was granted under UK REACH.
The Radcliffe-based company, which supplies industries including manufacturing, defence, aerospace and packaging, said the effectiveness of the UK’s 12-year authorisation framework depended on consistent compliance across the market.
Hexavalent chromium, commonly known as chromium VI, is widely used in surface finishing processes to improve corrosion resistance and durability, but is heavily regulated because of associated environmental and health risks.
The authorisation framework, administered by the Health and Safety Executive, was introduced following years of uncertainty linked to the EU’s 2017 sunset deadline and the UK’s post-Brexit regulatory transition.
However, BEP said there were concerns that some operators may not be working within the authorised framework, raising questions around regulatory consistency and environmental oversight.
“The authorisation process has removed a significant level of uncertainty and allowed businesses to focus on investment and long-term capability.
“However, that framework only works if it is applied consistently. Where operators fall outside it, this raises important questions about environmental risk, regulatory consistency, and fair competition.”
– Andrew McClusky, Managing Director, BEP Surface Technologies.
The company’s concerns are shared by the Surface Engineering Association (SEA), which represents a consortium of 23 companies involved in the authorisation process.
The process requires businesses to submit detailed technical data covering emissions controls, worker safety and continuous improvement commitments, with authorised operators subject to ongoing inspections and monitoring.
Dave Elliott, Chief Executive of the SEA, said consistent enforcement was essential to maintaining confidence in the sector and ensuring a level playing field for compliant operators.
Alongside enforcement concerns, the industry is also facing growing divergence between UK and EU regulatory approaches. While the UK has established a defined authorisation pathway under UK REACH, the EU is moving towards a broader restriction model for chromium VI, creating further uncertainty for European manufacturers.
According to BEP, the regulatory divergence is already influencing supply chains, with UK operators receiving increased enquiries from European customers seeking long-term certainty around chrome plating capability.
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