EU REACH

What is REACH?

REACH is European Regulation relative to the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals with the primary goal to improve the protection of human health and the environment from the risks that can be posed by chemicals. Boeing supports the goals of REACH and is committed to full compliance.

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) evaluates chemicals imported, manufactured, and used within the European Economic Area via the registration process. Boeing is monitoring all chemical imports and use. To date, Boeing (formerly Aviall) has submitted, or is in the process of submitting, Applications for Authorisation for the following chemicals and uses (recommendations by the ECHA in parenthesis below):

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1. Chromium trioxide (chromic acid):

   • Formulation of mixtures (7 years)
   • Functional chrome plating (non-decorative) (7 years)
   • Functional chrome plating with decorative character (4 years)
   • Surface treatment for applications in the aeronautics and aerospace industries (7 years)
   • Surface treatment (except passivation of tin-plated steel (ETP)) for applications in various industry sectors namely architectural, automotive, metal manufacturing and finishing, and general engineering (4 years)
   • Passivation of tin-plated steel (ETP) (4 years)

2. Sodium chromate:

   • Formulation of mixtures for sealing after anodizing, chemical conversion coating, pickling, and etching applications by aerospace companies and their suppliers (number of years pending)
   • Use for sealing after anodizing, chemical conversion coating, pickling, and etching applications by aerospace companies and their suppliers (number of years pending)

3. Strontium chromate:

   • Formulation of mixtures (7 years)
   • Application of paints, primers, and specialty coatings in the construction of aerospace and aeronautical parts, including maintenance of such constructions, as well as for such aerospace and aeronautical parts used elsewhere, where the supply chain and exposure scenarios are identical (7 years)

4. Pentazinc chromate octahydroxide:

   • Formulation of mixtures (number of years pending)
   • Use of pentazinc chromate octahydroxide in wash primer, fuel tank primer, and aluminized primer for the purpose of corrosion protection in aeronautic applications (number of years pending)

5. Potassium hydroxyoctaoxodizincatedichromate:

   • Formulation of mixtures (7 years)
   • Use in paints, primers, sealants, and coatings (including as wash primers) (7 years)

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What is Boeing’s Commitment?

Boeing is committed to ensuring that our customers and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) partners are fully aware of REACH Regulations and its potential business impact. We are fully monitoring REACH chemicals of interest and are working with our customers to understand their needs while strategically implementing processes and procedures aimed at minimizing business disruptions.

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What is the Significance of September 2017?

September 2017 marks a very important milestone for the aviation industry in the EEA. REACH Regulation has banned the import, manufacture, and use of several hexavalent chromium compounds unless an Authorisation is granted by the European Commission (EC). These chromium compounds are essential for surface treatment and corrosion protection of aluminum and titanium. In order to support the aviation industry, Boeing (formerly Aviall) has joined three aviation-specific consortia:

• Chromium Trioxide for Aerospace Consortium (CTAC)
• Chromium Compounds for Surface Treatment (CCST)
• Global Chromium Consortia for Aerospace (GCCA)