Is Chrome Plating Illegal in the UK? Here’s What the Law Actually Says

Is Chrome Plating Banned or Illegal in the UK?

There is a lot of confusion about chrome plating and the law right now, and we understand why. Since 2024, only companies with formal REACH authorisation have been permitted to use hexavalent chromium (Cr6) in the chrome plating process. That is a significant regulatory change, but it is not a ban on chrome plating. It is a licensing regime, and Doug Taylor Metal Finishing Co holds that licence.

Chrome is NOT banned – but it is restricted to companies that are properly licensed and fully compliant with regulatory standards.

At Doug Taylor Metal Finishing Co, we want our customers to understand the difference, and to know that we are fully licensed, certified, and authorised to continue offering chrome plating services safely and legally.

Why the Confusion?

The recent restrictions are focused on hexavalent chromium (Cr6), a chemical compound used in traditional chrome plating processes. Due to its potential health and environmental risks, governing bodies such as HSE (UK) and REACH (EU) have imposed strict controls.

These regulations don’t ban chrome altogether. They ban its use by companies and individuals without the proper authorisation, training, and safety infrastructure.

Want to Understand Chromium 6 Regulations Better?

If you’re still unsure what chromium 6 is, why it’s regulated, or what “REACH Authorisation” means, we recommend checking out our earlier blog post:

What Customers Need to Know About Chromium 6 Authorisation - This post breaks down the fundamentals of what companies need to do to be compliant, helping you make informed decisions when choosing a metal finishing provider.

Why It Matters to You

If you’re a customer or a business that relies on chrome parts, whether for restoration, manufacturing, or aesthetic finishes, it’s critical to only work with licensed facilities like ours

• We use approved chemicals under licensed conditions
• Your products meet regulatory standards
• You get safe, professional, and legally compliant service, every time
• Long-lasting, professional results
• Confidence that your job meets all regulatory requirements
• Continuity of service in chromium 6 for the next 10 years
• Need Chrome Plating? Choose a Name You Can Trust

We’re proud to continue offering high-quality chrome finishes that are fully legal, safe, and compliant, without compromise.

We're sometimes asked about hydrochrome or hydro dipping,  but these are different processes. We offer traditional chrome electroplating.

Licensed. Experienced. Compliant. Proudly plating chrome the right way.

Who is affected by the REACH chrome authorisation?

The authorisation requirement affects the businesses that carry out the plating -- not the customers who send items in. If you are a classic car owner, a motorcycle restorer, a boat owner or a business that uses chrome-plated components, you are not required to hold any authorisation yourself. What matters is that you choose a plater who does.

This is where Fit4Chrome comes in. Fit4Chrome is an industry accreditation scheme that confirms a plating company is operating within the REACH authorisation framework. Doug Taylor Metal Finishing Co is Fit4Chrome accredited, which gives you an independent confirmation of our compliance alongside our own authorisation.

We would always encourage you to ask any plater you consider using whether they hold REACH authorisation for hexavalent chrome. A number of smaller operators have had to discontinue the process since 2024. If a plater cannot confirm their authorisation status, it is worth looking elsewhere.

What about trivalent chrome? Is that an alternative?

Trivalent chrome (Cr3) is a lower-risk alternative that does not require REACH authorisation and is widely used for decorative plating where originality matching is not the priority. For some applications -- new production components, contemporary decorative finishes, jewellery -- it is a perfectly good option. If you are restoring a classic car and need new plating to sit alongside surviving original chrome, our classic car chrome plating page explains how we approach it.

We are sometimes asked about hydrochrome or hydro dipping. These are completely different processes that produce a printed film effect rather than a plated metal finish. We do not offer these and they are not a substitute for electroplating.

If you are unsure which process is right for your project, call us on 01934 820 454 and we will give you a straight answer based on your item and what you are trying to achieve.

Send your item to us with confidence

All work at Doug Taylor Metal Finishing Co is carried out at our workshop at Knightcott Industrial Estate, Banwell, Weston-super-Mare. We receive items from customers across the UK and return them by courier or collection. Our quality assurance process includes a 12-month guarantee on electroplating work, subject to our published exclusions.

Call us on 01934 820 454, email info@dougtaylor.co.uk, or use the enquiry form below to tell us about your project.

Frequently asked questions about chrome plating and the law

Is chrome plating banned in the UK?

No. Chrome plating using hexavalent chromium is not banned in the UK, but since 2024 it has been restricted to companies that hold formal REACH authorisation. Doug Taylor Metal Finishing Co holds that authorisation and continues to offer hexavalent chrome plating legally and safely.

Can I still get hexavalent chrome plating in the UK?

Yes, but only from authorised platers. The number of UK companies permitted to use hexavalent chromium has reduced since the authorisation requirement came into force. We are one of a small number that completed the authorisation process and we remain open for business.

Why does my classic car need hexavalent chrome rather than trivalent?

Hexavalent chrome produces the brighter, blue-white finish that was used as standard on classic and vintage vehicles. If you are trying to match original chrome or restore a car to its correct period specification, hexavalent is the process you need. Trivalent chrome has a different visual character that is often noticeable alongside surviving original plating.

What is Fit4Chrome?

Fit4Chrome is an industry accreditation that confirms a chrome plater is operating within the REACH authorisation framework. Doug Taylor Metal Finishing Co is Fit4Chrome accredited, giving customers independent assurance of our compliance status.

Will REACH authorisation affect prices or lead times?

The cost of obtaining and maintaining authorisation is a business overhead, but we have not changed our pricing structure as a result of the regulation. Lead times depend on the item and our current workload. Call us on 01934 820 454 to discuss your specific project.