The EU RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) Directive, implemented in July 2006, revolutionized chemical compliance management in the electronics industry. This regulation significantly impacted companies manufacturing or selling electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) in Europe by introducing strict chemical restrictions.
When first implemented, RoHS restricted six hazardous substances at the homogeneous material level:
On July 22, 2019, the directive expanded to include four additional substances:
The addition of phthalates to the restricted substances list has forced electronics manufacturers to reassess their material choices. Common components affected include:
Many of these components traditionally contained DEHP for flexibility, requiring manufacturers to find compliant alternatives.
Non-compliance with RoHS can result in severe consequences:
To ensure RoHS compliance, companies should:
Exemptions are granted in situations where it is technically impossible to remove a substance from a product, or where manufacturers require time to find an alternative substance. Exemptions are typically granted for finite periods of time, so companies should closely monitor potential expiry dates.
A part or product may be in scope of different regulations, depending on its final destination. Countries with RoHS-like legislation include:
While these pieces of legislation have many similarities, there are subtle differences to consider when selling into the global market. Generally, customs agents will be the first to check for RoHS compliance of imported goods, and will use the specific guidelines provided by the destination country.
Global RoHS directives most commonly differ from EU RoHS in their approach to exemptions:
The RoHS Directive continues to shape the electronics industry's approach to hazardous substances. Success in the European market requires vigilant compliance management and adaptation to evolving requirements. Companies must stay informed and maintain robust compliance programs to avoid costly violations and ensure market access.
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