RoHS Compliance
What is RoHS?
RoHS is the acronym for Restriction of Hazardous Substances. RoHS, also known as Directive 2002/95/EC, originated in the European Union and restricts the use of specific hazardous materials found in electrical and electronic products. All applicable products in the EU market after July 1, 2006 must pass RoHS compliance.
What are the restricted materials mandated under RoHS?
RoHS is often referred to (inaccurately) as the 'lead-free directive', but it restricts the use of the following ten substances:
1.Lead (Pb)
2.Mercury (Hg)
3.Cadmium (Cd)
4.Hexavalent chromium (Cr6+)
5.Polybrominated biphenyls (PBB)
6.Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE)
7.Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)
8.Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP)
9.Dibutyl phthalate (DBP)
10.Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP)
What does RoHS apply to?
The RoHS directive applies to all equipment operating up to 1000 VAC and 1500 VDC and contained in a list of 11 categories, including electric bulbs, household luminaries, and medical devices and control and monitoring equipment.
Why is RoHS compliance important?
The restricted materials are hazardous to the environment and pollute landfills, and are dangerous in terms of occupational exposure during manufacturing and recycling.
The main objective of the EU RoHS Directive is to restrict the use of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment to protect human health and the environment.
Which companies are affected by the RoHS Directive?
Any business that sells applicable electronic products, sub-assemblies or components directly to EU countries, or sells to resellers, distributors or integrators that in turn sell products to EU countries, is impacted if they utilize any of the restricted materials.
What about RoHS2?
The proposed changes to the original RoHS Directive in RoHS2 are minor. No additional substances have been added to the six currently restricted. Inclusion of RoHS categories 8 (medical devices) and 9 (control and monitoring instruments) products in RoHS is now proposed, with the proposed dates for inclusion being 2016 or later.
