EU RoHS stands for the “Restriction of Hazardous Substances” in Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive. It is a European Union directive that restricts the use of certain hazardous substances in the manufacture of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). The purpose of EU RoHS is to reduce the environmental impact of electronic products and protect human health by restricting the use of substances deemed hazardous.
Key points regarding EU RoHS include:
Restricted Substances: EU RoHS restricts the use of six hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. These substances are:
Lead (Pb)
Mercury (Hg)
Cadmium (Cd)
Hexavalent chromium (Cr⁶⁺)
Polybrominated biphenyls (PBB)
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE)
Scope: The directive covers a wide range of electrical and electronic equipment, including appliances, IT and telecommunications equipment, lighting equipment, consumer goods, and more. There are certain exemptions for specific applications and industries.
Maximum Concentration Values (MCVs): The directive sets maximum concentration values for the restricted substances. For example, lead is restricted to a maximum concentration of 0.1% by weight in homogeneous materials.
CE Marking: Compliance with EU RoHS is often indicated by the CE marking, which signifies that the product meets the essential requirements of relevant EU directives.
Documentation and Compliance Declarations: Manufacturers, importers, and distributors are responsible for ensuring that their products comply with EU RoHS. This involves documentation, testing, and providing compliance declarations.
Exemptions: Some specific exemptions are provided for certain applications where the complete elimination of a restricted substance is technically or scientifically impracticable or where suitable alternatives are not available. These exemptions are periodically reviewed and may be updated.
Enforcement: EU member states are responsible for enforcing the RoHS regulations within their territories. National authorities carry out checks, and non-compliance can result in penalties and restrictions on placing products on the market.
Revision and Recast: The original RoHS Directive (2002/95/EC) was recast as RoHS 2 Directive (2011/65/EU) to address certain shortcomings and improve clarity. The recast directive introduced additional requirements and extended the scope to include new categories of EEE.
EU RoHS is part of the broader framework of regulations aimed at promoting the sustainable and environmentally friendly production and disposal of electronic products within the European Union. Manufacturers, importers, and other stakeholders in the electronics industry must be aware of and comply with the requirements outlined in EU RoHS to ensure market access within the EU.
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