What is RoHS ? - The European Union (EU) Directive on the Restriction of use of certain Hazardous Substances restricts the use of six substances in electrical and electronic equipment placed on the market on or after 1st July 2006. RoHS is a 'single market' directive which aims to remove disparities across member states.

When does RoHS become law in the UK? - The Restriction of the use of certain Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive came into force on 1st July 2006. From this date Producers of certain categories of electrical and electronic equipment will not be able to place on the market products that contain six banned substances unless specific exemptions apply.

Which products are affected ?

• Large household appliances
• Small household appliances
• IT and telecom equipment
• Consumer equipment
• Lighting
• Electrical and electronic tools
• Toys, leisure and sports equipment
• Automatic dispensers

There are a number of exemptions to the rules and certain materials covered by the RoHS Directive are exempt in a number of cases. Currently, there are 28 exemptions in place and 76 still pending.

What are the banned substances ?
The Restriction of the use of certain Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive restricts six sustances:

• Lead - (Pb)
• Mercury - (Hg)
• Hexavalent chromium - (Cr(VI)
• Cadmium - (Cd)
• Polybrominated biphenyl flame retardants - (PBB)
• Polybrominated diphenyl ether flame retardants - (PBDE)

What is a compliant product ?
The RoHS Directive applies to equipment that is within the scope of the Directive. None of the 'homogenous materials' within compliant products must contain the six restricted substances at concentrations above the ' maximum concentration values'.

What about spare parts ?
The legislation allows for non-compliant parts to be used for maintenance, repair and/or upgrade of equipment put on the market prior to July 2006, but they will not be allowed in new products.

What is not covered by the RoHS ?
- Categories 8 and 9 of the WEEE Directive. although they are currently subject to review.
- Components and sub-assemblies (although these do need to comply when used in manufacture of compliant equipment)
- Non-compliant components and sub-assemblies for maintenance and repair, or upgrade of equipment put on the market prior to July 1st 2006
- Electrical and electronic equipment that is part of another type of equipment not within the scope of the WEEE Directive. e.g.car radio
- Batteries (although battery chargers do fall within the scope)
- Military/national security equipment (but only where the equipment's only use is military/national security)