EU RESTRICTIONS ON THE
USE OF CADMIUM PIGMENTS
PLASTICS
Based
on the "precautionary principle", the EU produced Directive 91/338/EEC
which gave a list of polymers in which the use cadmium as a colourant
was not permitted. This was subsequently replaced by an identical entry
in Annex XVII of REACH.
In 2010, the Commission produced a draft update of the cadmium restrictions : in line with the outcome of risk assessments carried out some years before under Regulation 793/893, the only additions proposed covered the use of cadmium in brazing rods and jewellery.
The final version (Regulation 494/2011) published in May 2011 effectively replaced the limited list of polymers in which cadmium may not be used with a "catch-all" covering all polymers. Therefore, from 10th December 2011, cadmium pigments may no longer be used in polymers in the EU.
There is, however, still a general "safety" exemption - cadmium pigments may be employed in any polymer where the colouring is being used for safety reasons.
Copies of Regulation 494/2011 and its corrigendum can be found HERE and HERE (opening in default .pdf viewer). We can also supply copies of these two documents in other EU community languages on request.
PAINTS
Cadmium pigments may not be used in paints within the EU which fall within
Common Customs Tariff numbers 3208 and 3209
OTHER APPLICATIONS
Other areas where cadmium pigments are used such as ceramics, glass and artists'
colours are not affected by
this legislation.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE RESTRICTIONS OUTLINED HERE APPLY ONLY IN THE EUROPEAN UNION. IF YOU WOULD LIKE FURTHER INFORMATION OR GUIDANCE, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US.
FURTHER DETAILS REGARDING THE USE OF CADMIUM PIGMENTS CAN BE FOUND IN OTHER
INFORMATION PAGES ON OUR WEBSITE.
Page last updated 11/01/2012
