ROHS Compliance

cobras · Posted: Thu Sep 22, 2011 4:20 pm Post subject: ROHS Compliance

RoHS, also known as Lead-Free, stands for Restriction of Hazardous Substances. RoHS, also known as Directive 2002/95/EC, originated in the European Union and restricts the use of six hazardous materials found in electrical and electronic products. All applicable products in the EU market after July 1, 2006 must pass RoHS compliance. RoHS impacts the entire electronics industry and many electrical products as well.

ROHS Directive is a single market Directive on the restriction of certain hazardous substances. The Directive is having a major impact on the design of electrical and electronic products as industry invests in finding alternatives to key substances such as lead and brominatedflame retardants. The restricted materials are hazardous not just to the mankind but also to the environment and pollute landfills, and are dangerous in terms of occupational exposure during manufacturing and recycling. There is continuing debate on the environmental impact of the banned substances, along with pressure for more exemptions. Europe is one of the largest markets in the world, and any company wishing to sell electrical and electronic equipment in this market will be able to do so only if it removes the hazardous substances specified in the Directive. Any business that sells applicable electrical or electronic products, sub-assemblies or components directly to RoHS countries, or sells to resellers, distributors or integrators that in turn sell products to these countries, is impacted if they utilize any of the restricted materials. Manufacturers need to understand the requirements of the RoHS Directive to ensure that their products, and their components, comply.