Excessive hexavalent chromium content sounds an alarm for export leather companies

Recently, a shoe company in Ningbo, Yuyao, Ningbo, Spain exported its leather safety boots by the European Union notified product of hexavalent chromium exceeded, exceeding the standard materials involved in the helper leather. After investigation, the main reason was that there was a problem with the leather quality provided by the upstream leather supplier of the enterprise, and the company did not conduct the inspection of the material when it was purchased.

According to statistics, since the beginning of this year, the European Union's Non-food Rapid Alert System (RAPEX) has issued a total of 11 notifications on leather products, 10 of which are exceeding the standard for hexavalent chromium in leather materials, of which 7 are footwear notifications and 3 are gloves. Informed that the continuous occurrence of such incidents has sounded a warning to export leather companies.

Hexavalent chromium is an extremely toxic poison for swallowing and inhalation. It can invade the body through digestion, respiratory tract, skin and mucous membranes. Skin contact can cause allergies. Once sensitized, a concentration of 3 mg/kg is sufficient to trigger an allergic reaction; it is more likely to cause inherited genetic defects, inhalation may cause cancer, and have a lasting risk to the environment.

It is reported that as early as December 2011, the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) passed the new safety footwear standard EN ISO 20345:2011, which stipulated that the hexavalent chromium content should not exceed 3 mg/kg. This regulation was formally effective in June 2012. On March 26, 2014, the European Commission issued an official communique, revised Annex 17 of the REACH Regulation, and extended the restraining order for hexavalent chromium in leather products. The regulations require that the content of hexavalent chromium in leather products directly in contact with human skin should not exceed 3mg/kg. For products containing leather parts, the content of hexavalent chromium in leather parts that are in contact with the human body must not exceed 3 mg/kg. Exceeding the requirements of the limit standard, it is prohibited to put on the market. The products affected include footwear, clothing, hats, wrist bands and toys. The regulations will be formally implemented on May 1, 2015.

The European Union’s efforts to strengthen the control requirements for hexavalent chromium in leather and other products will have a greater impact on shoe and other leather products manufacturing companies. The inspection and quarantine authorities recommend related companies: First, it must clarify the European Union’s requirements for hexavalent chromium and establish green standards. The concept of product production; second is to strengthen the quality of the procurement of raw and auxiliary materials acceptance, the detection of hexavalent chromium content of leather raw materials. The third is to strictly monitor the storage and transportation environment of raw materials and finished products to avoid the oxidation of trivalent chromium into hexavalent chromium. The fourth is to accelerate the introduction and development of new technologies and new processes and absorb the latest research results.

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