RoHS legislation
RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances), WEEE, ELV legislation and regulationsNew legislation has been enacted in several different geographic regions to reduce environmental pollutants by controlling "upstream" sources in products and disposal techniques. Primarily, this legislation affects the electronics and automobiles industry.
This movement started when the EU WEEE and RoHS legislation were approved in 2002, however since that legislation was enacted similar legislation has been approved in China, California, Korea and is under consideration in several additional countries. All companies doing business in these territories must understand the regulations and the actions necessary in their industry.
The following legislations have been enacted:
EU RoHS
(Restriction of Hazardous Substances) EU Directive 2002/95/EC
The European RoHS directives were the first to restrict the presence of Pb, Hg, Cd, Cr 6+, PBB & PBDE's (Br) in all electrotechnical products.
- In the electronics industry this is a main driving force behind Lead-free (Pb-free) manufacturing.
- This law specifically applies to Electronic/Electrical Equipment - defined as any device powered by electric current - some exemptions have been granted (ex. medical and military applications).
- Levels of lead, mercury, hexavalent chromium, PBB and PDBE’s must be below 1000 ppm cadmium must be below 100 ppm by mass in any "homogenous substance" - defined as any substance that can be mechanically separated into an isolated substance.
- Manufacturers are expected to self-certify compliance.
- This regulation went into force July 1st, 2006
Types of products affected:
- Large household appliances
- Small houshold appliances
- IT and telecommunications equipment
- Consumer equipment
- Lighting Equipment
- Electrical tools
- Toys, leisure and sports equipment
Automatic dispensers (Vending Machines)
China RoHS
China has recently enacted RoHS regulations. The restricted elements and levels are the same as in EU RoHS however:
- In its first phase, the regulation simply requires marking of the product or package indicating the presence or absence of the restricted materials.
- For goods which include the restricted materials, it is necessary to indicate the “safe use” life of the goods.
- The restriction of goods will be determined by the publication of a master catalogue which will list products which must not contain the restricted material. At this time the schedule for this master catalogue is unknown.
- Goods will need to be certified RoHS compliant by a third party.
- This regulation went into effect March 1, 2007
Types of products affected:
- Not known at this time but expected to be electronic equipment
California RoHS
The California Law has both restriction and recycling provisions. The law restricts the four metals included in EU RoHS (e.g. Pb, Cd, Hg & Cr6+) but does not include restriction on the brominated flame retardants. The California restrictions apply only to electronic equipment which contains a video display larger a 4” diagonal.
WEEE
(Waste Electronics and Electrical Equipment) EU Directive 2002/96/EC
The new WEEE defines strict rules for the recycling of consumer products in the European Union.
- This directive prohibits the design of products that prevents their reuse or ability to be recycled.
- It requires producers to fund the recycling effort for consumer products sold in EU member states.
- Business to business products will be disposed of for a fee.
- Member states must meet a percentage re-use and recycle target.
Large national and private recycling industry will be created.
This regulation went into force June, 2006
Types of products affected:
- Large household appliances
- Small household appliances
- IT and telecommunications equipment
- Consumer equipment
- Lighting equipment
- Electrical tools
- Toys, leisure and sports equipment
- Automatic dispensers
ELV
(End of Life Vehicle) EU Directive 2000/53/EC
ELV is already in effect and seeks to prevent environmental impact of motor vehicle disposal by restricting the same substances called out in the RoHS directives. It promotes design for reuse and recycling, the creation of a recycling program for ELV waste and sets a percentage-recycling target for member states.
Types of products affected:
- Automobiles
- Automotive
- Components Aftermarket Parts
European Packaging Directive EU Directive 95/62/EC
US Toxic Packaging Legislation
The European and US Packaging Directives have been in force for some years and seeks to prevent the environmental impact of disposable packaging by restricting Cr(Vi), Cd, Pb, Hg to a total sum of 100ppm...in plastic, cardboard etc. It promotes design for reuse and recycling and covers all (disposable) packaging for food products/consumer goods. In the United States nineteen states currently enforce this regulation.
Types of products affected:
- Disposable Packaging
- Plastic
- Cardboard
- Foam