REACH Annex XVII has Cadmium added – Use in paints forbidden

Since 19 March of this year, these may no longer be used or brought onto the market in concentrations (Cd metal) of ≥ 0.01 percent of their weight in paints with codes [3208] and [3209]. Of these aforementioned paints with a zinc content of over 10 percent of the paint weight, the cadmium content (Cd metal) must not be ≥ 0.1 percent of the weight. Painted products must not be brought onto the market if their cadmium content (Cd metal) is ≥ 0.1 percent of the weight of the paint on the painted product. “It is important to note in this context that the weight restriction applies solely to the paint weight and not that of the product,” said Jens Dorwarth, Chairman of the FBDi's Environment & Compliance working group. The electronic products that this may affect include specially coated plugs and sockets for special-purpose applications, as well as housings. The regulation entered effect on 19 March, since which time affected products may no longer be distributed on the market.