ABSTRACT For the first time, the Cr–CeO2 / La2O3 composite has been electrochemically deposited in a sulphate Cr (III) bath with an oxalate complexing agent. XRD analysis revealed that incorporation of CeO2/La2O3 particles into the Cr matrix does not change its state and the Cr matrix remains fine-crystalline (crystallites size < 1 nm). The cross-section SEM and EDS analysis confirmed the incorporation of CeO2/La2O3 particles into the Cr matrix. The studies of the mechanical properties of the Cr–CeO2/La2O3 composite have shown that the hardness of the composite increases over that of the Cr deposit due to CeO2/La2O3 particles incorporation, while both the friction coefficient and wear rate decrease. The mechanism of CeO2/La2O3 nanoparticles incorporation into the Cr matrix has been discussed.