RoHS

RoHS, short for the Restriction of Hazardous Substances, is an EU directive governing the use of certain dangerous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). It originated as directive 2002/95/EC and has since been amended, most notably by RoHS 2 (2011/65/EU) and RoHS 3 (2015/863/EU). The directive applies to products placed on the market in the European Union and, in some cases, to imports from other regions, with the aim of reducing environmental and health risks from hazardous substances.

The original scope restricted six substances in homogeneous materials: lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls (PBB), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE). RoHS 3 added four phthalates—di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP). Generally, substances are limited to 0.1% by weight in a homogeneous material, with exemptions for certain uses and components that are still allowed under specified conditions.

Manufacturers and importers must ensure products meet these limits to market them in the EU. Compliance is usually demonstrated through a Declaration of Conformity and may involve testing or supplier declarations. Enforcement is conducted by member state authorities, with penalties and potential market actions for non-compliance. RoHS works alongside the WEEE directive on end-of-life disposal, encouraging safer recycling and handling of electronic waste. The directive has influenced global product design, prompting many manufacturers to adopt RoHS-like restrictions to access other markets and simplify international supply chains.