RoHS
RoHS
· Jomplair · Lexicon Lab

RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances)

  1. Overview

RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) is a directive adopted by the European Union (EU) to restrict the use of specific hazardous materials in electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). The goal of RoHS is to reduce environmental and health risks associated with these substances, promote recycling, and encourage the development of safer alternatives.

  1. Key Substances Restricted by RoHS

The RoHS directive limits the use of the following six substances (with maximum allowable concentrations by weight in homogeneous materials):

Substance

Maximum Concentration

Common Use

Lead (Pb)

0.1% (1000 ppm)

Solder, batteries, glass, PVC

Mercury (Hg)

0.1% (1000 ppm)

Fluorescent lamps, switches, sensors

Cadmium (Cd)

0.01% (100 ppm)

Batteries, pigments, coatings

Hexavalent Chromium (Cr6+)

0.1% (1000 ppm)

Metal coatings, anti-corrosion agents

Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBB)

0.1% (1000 ppm)

Flame retardants in plastics

Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDE)

0.1% (1000 ppm)

Flame retardants in plastics

In 2015, four additional substances were added under RoHS 3:

Substance

Maximum Concentration

Common Use

Bis(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate (DEHP)

0.1% (1000 ppm)

Plasticizers in PVC, cables, connectors

Benzyl Butyl Phthalate (BBP)

0.1% (1000 ppm)

Plasticizers in PVC, adhesives

Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP)

0.1% (1000 ppm)

Plasticizers in PVC, inks, coatings

Diisobutyl Phthalate (DIBP)

0.1% (1000 ppm)

Plasticizers in PVC, adhesives

  1. Scope of RoHS

RoHS applies to a wide range of electrical and electronic equipment, including:

    • Household appliances (e.g., refrigerators, washing machines).
    • IT and telecommunications equipment (e.g., computers, routers).
    • Consumer electronics (e.g., TVs, cameras).
    • Lighting equipment (e.g., LED bulbs, fluorescent lamps).
    • Tools (e.g., drills, saws).
    • Medical devices (with some exemptions).
    • Monitoring and control instruments (e.g., thermostats, sensors).

  1. Compliance Requirements

To comply with RoHS, manufacturers must:

    • Test Materials: Ensure all homogeneous materials in the product meet concentration limits.
    • Documentation: Maintain technical documentation and declarations of conformity.
    • Labeling: Use the CE mark to indicate compliance with EU regulations.
    • Supply Chain Management: Ensure suppliers provide RoHS-compliant components.

  1. Benefits of RoHS Compliance

    • Environmental Protection: Reduces hazardous waste and pollution.
    • Health and Safety: Minimizes exposure to toxic substances for workers and consumers.
    • Market Access: Compliance is mandatory for selling products in the EU and other regions with similar regulations.
    • Brand Reputation: Enhances corporate responsibility and consumer trust.

  1. Challenges and Considerations

    • Cost: Testing and sourcing compliant materials can increase production costs.
    • Complexity: Managing compliance across global supply chains can be challenging.
    • Exemptions: Some applications (e.g., medical devices, military equipment) may have temporary exemptions.

  1. RoHS vs. Similar Regulations

Regulation

Region

Scope

Key Differences

RoHS

EU

Electrical and electronic equipment

Restricts 10 hazardous substances

REACH

EU

Chemicals in all products

Focuses on chemical registration and safety

China RoHS

China

Electrical and electronic equipment

Similar to EU RoHS but with labeling requirements

Prop 65

California, USA

Consumer products

Requires warning labels for toxic substances

  1. Summary

RoHS is a critical regulation aimed at reducing the environmental and health impacts of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. By restricting substances like lead, mercury, and cadmium, RoHS promotes safer, more sustainable manufacturing practices. Compliance is essential for accessing the EU market and demonstrates a commitment to environmental responsibility and consumer safety. Manufacturers must navigate challenges such as cost and supply chain complexity to meet RoHS requirements effectively.

 

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