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IMPORTANT NOTICE regarding cadmium-plated / Cr(VI)-containing VG connectors

Lisa Penzel

Published on 23 Jan, 2026

WICHTIGE MITTEILUNG zu kadmierten / Cr-VI-haltigen VG-Steckverbindern

Notification regarding the expiry of the certificate of approval for cadmium-plated /
Cr(VI)-containing VG connector by the German Federal Armed Forces (BAAINBw)

 Impact and further course of action of Amphenol-Air LB and its VAD partners:

 EXPIRY OF THE APPROVAL CERTIFICATE / EXEMPTION PERMIT according to VG95211 on 30.06.2026 for the version aluminium alloy, cadmium plated and chromated, bronze-green colored.

Regarding the components:
VG95234, VG95328 and VG96912

  • According to the official notification from the BAAINBw, the approval certificates for cadmium-plated or Cr(Vl)-containing connectors of these series will expire on June 30, 2026.
    This applies to all manufacturers, not only to Amphenol-Air LB. The VG approvals for versions B and J remain unaffected.
  • After June 30, 2026, this version can only be delivered as follows:
    • Under the manufacturer's part number (SJT series / AA96912,
      PT series / AA95328, GCB series / AA95234)
    • as VG pre-assembled connectors with a manufacturing date up to 30.06.2026.
  • The following versions are permitted as alternatives to cadmium:
    • VG version J (Tin-Zinc): 1:1 replacement, can be used as a replacement item since 01.01.2019.
    • VG version B (Marine Bronze) is recommended for applications in saline environments.

PRODUCTION AND DELIVERY

Orders for cadmium-plated VG connectors can be accepted by Amphenol-Air LB until March 1, 2026 at the latest.

NEW DESIGNS, EXISTING AND REPLACEMENT APPLICATIONS

Cadmium-plated connectors are prohibited for new designs by the BAAINBw. Only connectors with a surface finish of "J" (Tin-Zinc) – or alternatively bronze – are permitted for new designs.

Connectors already used in existing systems may continue to be supplied in cadmium-plated versions with manufacturer part number.

The responsibility for determining whether it is a new design, existing application or replacement application lies solely with the system developer or OEM.

 VG-VERSION J (TIN-ZINC)

The VG version J (Tin-Zinc) is a 1:1 replacement for cadmium and fully corresponds to the values of the cadmium-plated version in terms of corrosion resistance, conductivity and shielding ability.
• REACH & RoHS compliant design: cadmium-free and chromium(VI)-free
• Shield connection and shielding effectiveness according to test 5.11 acc. to VG95319-2 max. 5mOhm after the corrosion test
• Corrosion resistant according to VG95319-2 test 5.50 (dynamic 5d test according to DIN EN 60068-2-52, test Kb.)
• Version J is intermateable /system-compatible with cadmium-coated surfaces
• The J version is approved and available for all these connector series.
• Amphenol-Air LB manufactures VG95234, VG95328 and VG96912 in version J at Saarlouis, Germany.

 AA SERIES

To ensure a long-term supply capability for cadmium-plated connectors beyond June 30, 2026, Amphenol-Air LB GmbH is introducing its own manufacturer standards:
• AA95234
• AA95328
• AA96912

The Amphenol-Air LB standard is based on the respective VG interfaces and is fully compatible in terms of form, fit, and function, enabling a simple and direct cross-referencing of existing VG part numbers. The AA series are not subject to VG approval.

For more information, click here.