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EU RoHS Directive & Law
The RoHS (Restriction of use of Hazardous Substances) legislation covers the restriction of lead and other potentially hazardous substances used in electrical and electronic equipment.
Known as Directive 2002/95/EC (PDF 115 KB), it is enforced throughout the EU since 1st July 2006. Its purpose is very clear – to restrict the use of six substances within electrical and electronic equipment (EEE), thereby contributing to the protection of human health and the environment. EU Commission Decision of 10 June 2009, (PDF 719 KB) amending for the purposes of adapting to technical progress, the Annex to Directive 2002/95/EC regarding exemptions for applications of lead, cadmium and mercury.
For many this is a considerable environmental challenge. It is closely linked with the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) 2002/96/EC which sets collection, recycling and recovery targets for electrical goods.
Outside of Europe there are requirements regarding restrictions of hazardous substances. Other countries can have additional requirements or differences in approved proportion of hazardous substances. SGS international network helps you to clarify the requirements.
The EU RoHS update is expected during the course of 2009 with conformity due date no later than 2014. It is recommendable to keep an eye on its development
The “Notorious Six” Substances
RoHS is often referred to as the lead-free directive, but it restricts the use of these six substances:
- Lead
- Mercury
- Cadmium
- Hexavalent chromium
- Polybrominated biphenyls (PBB)
- Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE)
PBB and PBDE are flame retardants used in several plastics.
The maximum permitted concentrations are 0.1% or 1,000 ppm (except for cadmium, which is limited to 0.01% or 100 ppm) by weight of homogeneous material. The limits do not apply to the weight of the finished product, or even to a component, but to any single – for example, the sheath on a cable or the tinning on a component lead.
Whereas the WEEE directive sets minimum levels for recycling that must be met but may be exceeded, RoHS is very explicit about which substances should be restricted and the precise levels that may be tolerated.
Green Technical Manual (online flipbook)
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Imported Products
Although RoHS is an EU Directive, manufacturers of EEE (electrical and electronic equipment) outside Europe must also abide by this legislation if the equipment they produce is ultimately imported into an EU member state for use in Europe. The definition and interpretation of the Directive should not vary across EU member countries, so companies which have achieved RoHS certification are able to distribute throughout this economic area.
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Registration
As required for compliance to the RoHS Directive, as a first step (and before certification) all producers must be registered. From November 23rd 2005, it will be illegal to sell certain electrical and electronic equipment into Germany if the producer has not completed formal registration there.
The RoHS directive is valid for the following products:
- Household appliances
- Information technology and telecommunication equipment
- Consumer electronics
- Lighting fittings
- Electrical tools
- Toys
- Sports and leisure equipment
- Vending machines
- Filament lamps
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A Glance into the Future
The proposed revised RoHS directive would cover medical devices as well as monitoring and control instruments. A list of “priority” substances posing particular environmental concerns when used in electrical and electronic equipment will be assessed in line with REACH with a view to a possible ban in the future.
Moreover, four new chemicals would be reviewed for possible inclusion on a list of six substances already banned from use in electrical goods under RoHS. These are the brominated flame retardants HBCDD and the phthalates DEHP, BBP and DBP.
Finally, complying with the requirements of the directive will also be made easier with the introduction of the CE label for electrical and electronic equipment.
The EU RoHS update is expected during the course of 2009 with a conformity due date no later than 2014. It is recommendable to keep an eye on its development and on the progress of REACH especially of the list of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC).
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Why SGS?
SGS has 24 accredited RoHS laboratories worldwide and 1,000 specialists in this field, providing RoHS services to ensure that the E&E industry has the requisite independent data for a RoHS compliance declaration to be granted. An integrated reliable evaluation of RoHS conformity within the framework of product testing and certification provides legal security and improves your market presence and recognition.
The Benefits of our RoHS Program
The SGS RoHS Program helps manufacturers, retailers and suppliers mitigate the risk of non-compliance to global and national restricted substances regulations. With a proven track record in product safety certification compiled over more than 80 years, SGS provides a respected third-party source to help clients monitor their supply chains and self-declare compliance with confidence.
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