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RoHS-Compliancy
Program at SIPAT
As a result of
environmental concerns and the willing to protect human health,
the EU (European Union) has legislated the elimination /
restriction of certain hazardous materials in electrical &
electronic equipmen
RoHS-Compliant
Products - what does it mean?
A variety of jurisdictions around the
globe have proposed regulations that would restrict the use of
lead (Pb) and other hazardous substances in electronic products.
The RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) Directive
2002/95/EC states that: "Member States shall ensure that, from 1
July 2006, new electrical and electronic equipment put on the
market does not contain lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent
chromium, polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) or polybrominated
diphenyl ethers (PBDE)."
Who does it
affect?
Manufacturers, sellers, distributors and recylers of electrical
and electronic equipment containing lead, mercury, cadmium,
hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls or polybrominated
diphenyl ethers. This Directive covers the same scope as the
Directive on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE)
except for medical devices and monitoring and control
instruments. It also applies to electric light bulbs and light
fittings in households.
Purpose
The Directive aims to: protect human health
and the environment by restricting the use of certain hazardous
substances in new equipment; and complement the WEEE Directive.
Key elements :
From 1 July 2006 new electrical and
electronic equipment must not contain lead, mercury, cadmium,
hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) or
polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). These must be replaced
by other substances. Certain applications are exempt from the
requirements of the Directive including mercury in certain types
of fluorescent lamps, lead in the glass of cathode ray tubes,
electronic components and fluorescent tubes, lead in electronic
ceramic parts and hexavalent chromium as an anti-corrosion of
the carbon steel cooling system in absorption refrigerators. The
exemptions will be reviewed every four years. Before 13 February
2005 the European Commission will review the terms of the
Directive to take into account any new scientific evidence.
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