ROHS is a mandatory standard established by the European Union legislation.The full name is the "Directive on the Restriction of Certain Hazardous Substances Used in Electrical and Electronic Equipment." This standard came into effect on July 1, 2006, primarily aimed at regulating the material and process standards of electronic and electrical products to enhance human health and environmental protection.
PurposeEliminating six substances in electric motor and electronic products, including lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (note: the correct Chinese name for PBDE is polybrominated diphenyl ethers, not polybrominated diphenyl ethers as a misnomer), with a key specification that lead content must not exceed 0.1%.
ROHS applies to all electrical and electronic products that may contain any of the six harmful substances during the production process and in raw materials.
Covered products mainly include:: Household appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, microwaves, air conditioners, vacuum cleaners, water heaters, etc.; and electronic appliances like audio and video products, DVDs, CDs, television receivers, IT products, digital products, and communication devices; electrical tools, electronic toys, medical electrical equipment, and power usage including small and large household appliances, IT and telecommunications equipment, and consumer goods such as radios, televisions, cameras, and audio systems.
1. Lead (Pb) Examples of usage of this material: solder, glass, PVC stabilizer
2. Mercury (Hg) Examples of Use: thermostats, sensors, switches and relays, light bulbs
3. Cadmium (Cd) Examples of use for this material: switches, springs, connectors, enclosures and PCBs, contacts, batteries
4. Hexavalent Chromium (Cr 6+) - Examples of use: metal corrosion prevention coatings
5. Polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) - Examples of use of this substance: flame retardants, PCBs, connectors, plastic enclosures
6. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) - Examples of use of this substance: flame retardants, PCBs, connectors, plastic enclosures
The European New Directive (ROHS Directive) requires testing for 6 items.
(1) The ROHS testing items include Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Mercury (Hg), Hexavalent Chromium (Cr), Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBBS), and Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDES).
(2) Regarding HBCDD, BBP, DBP, DEHP, and other items, the directive merely mentions considering them for control after the subsequent priority assessment, without mandating that manufacturers conduct testing.
Only for new products launched into the market after July 1, 2006
(1) Includes household incandescent lamps and light sources. Must not contravene specific directives or regulations concerning safety and health requirements -- Vehicle ELV Directive, Automotive Directive; Battery Directive, 91/157/EEC, 93/86/EEC & 98/101/EC
(2) Not included: medical devices or monitoring equipment (WEEE Directive categories 8 and 9); spare parts placed on the market before July 1, 2006; reused products originally placed on the market before July 1, 2006.
Application Scope
EU Member States: France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, United Kingdom, Denmark, Ireland, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Sweden, Finland, Cyprus, Hungary, Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Romania.
The scope of the ROHS Directive covers electronic and electrical products listed in the catalog, which are below AC1000V and DC1500V.
(1) Major Home Appliances: Refrigerators, Washing Machines, Microwaves, Air Conditioners, etc.
(2) Small Household Appliances: Vacuum Cleaners, Irons, Hair Dryers, Ovens, Watches, etc.
(3) IT and Communication Equipment: Computers, fax machines, telephones, mobile phones, etc.
(4) Civilian Equipment: Radios, Televisions, VCRs, Musical Instruments, etc.
(5) Lighting Equipment: Fluorescent lamps and lighting control devices, excluding household lighting
(6) Electric Tools: Drill, Lathe, Welding, Sprayer, etc.
(7) Toys/Entertainment, Sports Equipment: Electric Cars, Video Game Consoles, AutomaticGambling BetsMachine waiting
Medical Devices: Radiological EquipmentZhi LMedical equipment, ECG machines, analytical instruments, etc.
(9) Monitoring/Control Devices: smoke detectors, thermostatic chambers, factory monitoring and control units, etc.
(Automatic Vending Machine)
It encompasses not only complete machines but also the components, raw materials, and packaging used in manufacturing them, affecting the entire production chain.
