RoHSdirektiiviin

The RoHS directive, officially the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive, is a European Union directive that restricts the use of specific hazardous materials found in electrical and electronic equipment. Its full title is Directive 2011/65/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 June 2011 on the restriction of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. The directive aims to protect human health and the environment by preventing the use of certain potentially harmful substances.

The directive initially restricted six substances: lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), hexavalent chromium (Cr VI), polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). These substances are commonly found in electronic components and manufacturing processes. Over time, the scope of the directive has been expanded, and additional substances have been included in subsequent revisions.

RoHS compliance is mandatory for electrical and electronic equipment placed on the EU market. Manufacturers must ensure their products do not exceed the maximum concentration limits for the restricted substances. This involves rigorous testing and documentation. Non-compliance can lead to products being denied market access within the EU. The directive has had a significant global impact, influencing manufacturing practices and material choices in the electronics industry worldwide, even for products not directly intended for the EU market.