RoHS Directive
The maximum concentrations are 0.1%
(except for Cadmium which is limited to 0.01%) by weight of homogeneous
material. This means that the limits do not apply to the weight of the
finished product, or even to a component, but to any single substance
that could (theoretically) be separated mechanically - for example, the
sheath on a cable or the tinning on a component lead.
As an example, a radio comprises a case, screws, washers, a circuit
board, speakers etc. A circuit board comprises a bare PCB, ICs,
resistors, switches etc. A switch comprises a case, a lever, a spring,
contacts, pins etc. The contact might comprise a copper strip with a
surface coating..........
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Everything that can be identified as a
different material must meet the limit. So if it turns out that the
switch's contact coating was gold with 2300 ppm cadmium then the entire
radio would fail the requirements of the directive.
Note that batteries are not included within the scope of RoHS,
therefore NiCd batteries are permitted despite the Cadmium.
The directive applies to equipment as defined by a section of the
WEEE directive. These are:
- Large household appliances
- Small household appliances
- IT and telecommunications
equipment
- Consumer equipment
- Lighting equipment - including
light bulbs
- Electronic and electrical
tools
- Toys, leisure and sports
equipment
- Automatic dispensers.
It does not apply to fixed industrial plant and tools. It does not apply
to components and sub-assemblies - only to the finished product.
RoHS applies to these products in the EU whether made within the EU or
imported.
Certain exemptions apply:
- Lead
- High melting point solders
(>85% lead)
- Ceramic devices
- Certain specified alloys
- Glass used in CRTs, electronic
components and fluorescent tubes.
- Mercury
- Certain types of lamp
There is also legislation taking effect
in China (often referred to as "China RoHS") that has similar
restrictions. However, the Chinese government is being very vague about
the application and responsibility for compliance. There is also some
doubt as to the effective date, but it is presumed to be the same as the
EU RoHS directive.
Japan does not have any direct legislation dealing with the RoHS
substances, but its recycling laws have spurred the Japanese
manufacturers to move to a lead-free process. These companies have also
been proactive in phasing out other harmful materials which will, in
effect, make their products RoHS compliant.
In addition, California has adopted similar legislation which will take
effect on January 1, 2007. The California law will use the EU RoHS
directive as its guide. These, as well as other legislation, effectively
makes RoHS a world wide compliance issue.
RoHS is often referred
to as the "lead-free" directive.
The
RoHS directive took effect on July
1, 2006
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