RoHS

   Restriction of Use of Hazardous Substances

RoHS Compliance FAQ

What is RoHS ?

RoHS is the acronym for Restriction of Use of Hazardous Substances. RoHS originated in the European Union (Directive 2002/95/EC) and restricts the use of specific hazardous materials found in electrical and electronic products. All applicable products in the EU market since 1st July 2006 must pass RoHS compliance.

What are the restricted materials mandated under RoHS?

The substances banned under RoHS are mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), hexavalent chromium (CrVI), polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE).

Why is RoHS compliance important?

The restricted materials are hazardous to the environment and pollute landfills, and are dangerous in terms of occupational exposure during manufacturing and recycling.

Are LEDs within the scope of RoHS?

LEDs sold individually are considered to be components rather than an electrical product and therefore are not within the scope of RoHS. However, when being used as part of electrical equipment, LEDs do fall within scope and therefore should be compliant. For instance, an LED lamp is covered by the Directive.

What is WEEE?

WEEE is the acronym for Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment. WEEE, also known as Directive 2002/96/EC, mandates the treatment, recovery and recycling of electric and electronic equipment. All products in the EU market since 13th August 2006 must pass WEEE compliance and carry the "Wheelie Bin" sticker.

How are RoHS and WEEE related?

WEEE compliance aims to encourage the design of electronic products with environmentally-safe recycling and recovery in mind. RoHS overlaps into WEEE by reducing the amount of hazardous chemicals used in electronic manufacture. In a nutshell, RoHS regulates the hazardous substances used in electrical and electronic equipment, while WEEE regulates the disposal of that same equipment.

To learn more about RoHS and WEEE click on the link to the Environmental Protection Agency.