The Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive, a European project intended to decrease the environmental impact on electronic or electrical products in the waste stream and improve the recyclability of waste. Its initiative is to create electronic and electrical products that are sold in Europe to free of hazardous substances as of July 1, 2006. This means all companies that manufacture, import or rebrand electronic equipment destined for Europe must ensure their products comply with RoHS guidelines.

Some manufacturers may find complying with RoHS costly and complex, but it will ultimately help them in the long run since there certain US states are passing their own ROHS regulations such as SB20 and SB40 in California.

The Waste and Electrical Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive, the catalyst behind RoHS, requires those who produce electronic equipment to take on the responsibility of recycling and/or recovering their products.

Overview of the RoHS Directive and Its Requirements

Sometimes confused with the movement for “lead-free” electronic production, the RoHS command focuses on six substances. Lead, a vital issue, and five other substances covered by the directive. The others include Hexavalent Chromium, Cadmium, Mercury, PBBs and PBDEs.

Banned/Restricted Substance Use/Where Found in Electronics