EU directive 2002/95/EC - Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS)
is a European Directive aimed at reducing the effect of waste
electrical and electronic equipment on the environment. This
directive specifically is for products placed in the European
market, from July 1, 2006, the RoHS directive limits to maximum
concentration values (MCVs) the use of six substances commonly
used in electronic products:
-
Lead
-
Mercury
-
Cadmium
-
Hexavalent Chromium
-
Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDE)
| MCVs Allowable
Homogenous Material Within
Electronic Products |
| Banned Substance |
RoHS MCV Limits |
Use in Electronics |
| Lead |
1000 PPM |
Solder and interconnects, batteries, piezoelectronic
devices*, discrete components |
| Cadmium |
100 PPM |
CRT glass*, PVC cables, batteries, pigment yellow,
additive in plastics, (PVC), Detectors, LED's |
| Haxavalent Chromium |
1000 PPM |
Metal finishes for chassis, fasteners, other alloys |
| Mercury |
1000 PPM |
Switches, paints, polyurethane materials, lamps,
bulbs, displays |
| PBB/PBDE |
1000 PPM |
Used as flame retardants (plastics, housings,
cables, connectors, fans, components) |
| * Exempt under RoHS Directive |
The Directive applies to all electrical and electronic equipment
which could be categorized as large or small household
appliances, IT and telecommunications equipment, consumer
equipment, lighting equipment, electrical and electronic tools
(exception of large-scale stationary industrial tools), toys,
leisure and sports equipment and automatic dispensers. Medical
devices and monitoring and control devices are currently exempt
of the Directive.
It is not only important that we as a manufacturer understand
the imposed Directive but all companies understand their
obligations and addresses both the risks and opportunities posed
by the Directive. |
