RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances)
What Is the RoHS Directive?
The RoHS directive establishes restrictions in customs on the use of hazardous substances in a wide range of electrical and electronic equipment. This legal framework aims to minimize exposure to toxic materials throughout the lifecycle of electronic products, thereby ensuring reduced environmental impact and improved global sustainability.
Restricted Substances in the RoHS Directive
The initial directive identified six hazardous substances whose presence in electrical and electronic equipment is prohibited. These are:
- Lead (Pb): Commonly used in solder and electronic components.
- Mercury (Hg): Found in fluorescent lamps and other lighting devices.
- Cadmium (Cd): Present in batteries and electrical contacts.
- Hexavalent Chromium (Cr VI): Used in anti-corrosive coatings.
- Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBB): Employed as flame retardants.
- Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDE): Also used as flame retardants.
With the update to RoHS 3 in 2015, four phthalates were added to the list of restricted substances:
- DEHP (di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate)
- BBP (butyl benzyl phthalate)
- DBP (dibutyl phthalate)
- DIBP (diisobutyl phthalate)
Exemptions to the Restrictions
Although the directive is strict, there are exemptions for certain products or specific applications. For example:
- Telecommunications equipment
- Medical devices
- Some products in the automotive industry
These exemptions apply due to technical complexity or the lack of viable alternatives in certain sectors.
Scope of the RoHS Directive
The RoHS directive covers a wide range of electrical and electronic products, including:
- Computing devices
- Home appliances
- Telecommunications equipment
- Electronic toys
- Electrical tools
Important Note: All products covered by RoHS must meet its requirements before being marketed in the European Union.
Compliance with the RoHS Directive
Compliance with RoHS requires manufacturers and distributors to:
- Conduct content testing: Verifying the presence of restricted substances in the materials used.
- Obtain certification: Validating compliance through specialized organizations.
- Label products: Including the RoHS conformity symbol on products that meet the standards.
RoHS 3: Recent Updates
The latest revision of the directive, known as RoHS 3, expanded the list of restricted substances, including additional compounds such as phthalates. These updates reflect evolving environmental standards and the growing need to adopt cleaner technologies.
Certification and Labeling under the RoHS DirectiveProducts that comply with the RoHS directive typically include a specific symbol certifying the absence of hazardous substances in their manufacturing. This labeling is crucial for ensuring transparency and consumer trust in international markets.
How Does the RoHS Directive Affect Manufacturers?
Implementing RoHS requires manufacturers and distributors to:
- Conduct periodic testing.
- Adapt their production processes.
- Comply with specific regulations in each EU country.
Non-compliance can lead to severe penalties, including the withdrawal of products from the market.
Benefits of the RoHS Directive
- Reduction of environmental impact: By limiting toxic substances in the lifecycle of electronic products.
- Improved consumer safety: Preventing exposure to hazardous materials.
- Promotion of sustainable technologies: Encouraging the development of greener alternatives.
List of TARIC Codes and Their Relation to RoHS
The TARIC codes (Tariff Integrated of the European Communities) provide specific information on tariffs and regulations applicable to products entering the European market. You can find more details at the following link: