RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances)

What Does RoHS Mean?

RoHS stands for "Restriction of Hazardous Substances." It is a directive that originated in the European Union and aims to limit the use of specific hazardous materials found in electrical and electronic products. The primary goal of RoHS is to protect human health and the environment by restricting harmful substances.

Background and Development of RoHS

The original RoHS directive (2002/95/EC) was adopted in February 2003 and became effective on July 1, 2006. The directive was implemented to address the growing concern over hazardous waste from electronic products and its negative impact on the environment and human health. RoHS complements the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE), which focuses on proper disposal and recycling of electronics.

RoHS has undergone several revisions since its inception. The most recent update is known as RoHS 3 (Directive 2015/863/EU), which expanded the list of restricted substances to include four additional phthalates, bringing the total number of restricted substances to 10.

Hazardous Substances Restricted by RoHS

RoHS limits the maximum allowable concentrations of ten hazardous substances in electronic products. These substances and their maximum thresholds are:

• 1. Lead (Pb): 0.1%

• 2. Mercury (Hg): 0.1%

• 3. Cadmium (Cd): 0.01%

• 4. Hexavalent chromium (Cr6+): 0.1%

• 5. Polybrominated biphenyls (PBB): 0.1%

• 6. Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE): 0.1%

• 7. Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP): 0.1%

• 8. Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP): 0.1%

• 9. Dibutyl phthalate (DBP): 0.1%

• 10. Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP): 0.1%

These substances are commonly used in various components such as solder, insulation, and plastic enclosures but pose risks like toxicity, environmental contamination, and long-lasting ecological harm.

Who Must Comply with RoHS?

Manufacturers, importers, and distributors of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) that fall within the scope of the RoHS directive must comply with its requirements when selling their products in the European Union (EU) market. Specifically, those who must comply with RoHS include:

Importers: Companies producing EEE intended for sale in the EU are primarily responsible for ensuring RoHS compliance. They must conduct assessments, and testing, and maintain records demonstrating product compliance with substance restrictions.

Importers: Businesses importing EEE into the EU from non-EU countries are also responsible for compliance. Importers must ensure that the products they bring into the EU meet RoHS requirements, including documentation of adherence to the directive.

Distributors: Distributors operating within the EU must ensure that the EEE they sell complies with RoHS. While they focus on verifying that products bear the CE marking and proper documentation, their role in compliance assessments is more limited than that of manufacturers or importers.

Is RoHS Required Globally?

RoHS is not a globally mandated regulation. It originated in the European Union and applied specifically to the EU market, restricting the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. However, many other countries and regions have implemented similar regulations inspired by the EU’s RoHS directive. While these regulations are similar, there may be differences in the specific substances restricted, concentration limits, and other compliance requirements. Therefore, manufacturers and suppliers need to be aware of and comply with, the specific regulations of each market they intend to sell their products.

In summary, while RoHS itself is not globally mandated, the concept of restricting hazardous substances has been adopted in various forms by multiple countries around the world, each with its regulatory nuances.