RoHS Compliance
The European Union’s 2006 RoHS Directive – "Restrictions of Hazardous Substances" – promotes the recycling of electronic equipment by restricting the use of substances of very high concern such as lead and mercury. The restricted materials are hazardous to the environment and pollute landfills, and are dangerous in terms of occupational exposure during manufacturing and recycling.
Penalties for non-compliance can vary considerably between EU countries but include fines and also imprisonment in some member states.
RoHS in a nutshell
The usual suspects
The substances banned under RoHS are lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), hexavalent chromium (CrVI), polybrominated biphenyls (PBB), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) and four different phthalates (DEHP, BBP, DBP and DIBP).
Windmills and solar panels
Since 2010, windmills and solar panels have been excluded from RoHS. However, solar powered equipment is still considered to be within the scope as it falls under one of the general categories, whilst the solar component is exempt.
Who is affected?
The RoHS Directive applies to manufacturers, authorized representatives, importers and distributors of products including large household appliances (e.g. fridges), small household appliances (e.g. hoovers), computing & communications equipment, consumer electronics, lighting, power tools, toys and sports equipment, and automatic dispensers (e.g. vending machines).
How we can help
Product Stewardship Services
Our aim is to help our customers to harness the power of data to become and remain compliant, to minimise their business risks and to drive forward innovation.
Global Chemical Notifications
Yordas has supported hundreds of importing and exporting organisations to meet international chemical requirements.
Sustainability Services
Yordas can support you with ISO accreditation, LCAs, Sustainability audits and strategy, Green Chemistry substitutions and strategy.
Is RoHS Compliance a resource drain for your business?
The RoHS Directive is ever-evolving and keeping pace can be laboursome. We can help you meet new requirements, maintain access to the EU region and mitigate financial risk.
