What Is RoHS?

RoHS stands for Restriction of Hazardous Substances. RoHS is an European Union directive to restrain the use of certain dangerous substances to reduce the harmful effects of electrical and electronic devices on people and the environment.

RoHS directive is accepted by all members of the European Union. All electrical and electronic products to be sold in EU states, must comply with RoHS directives since 1 July 2016.

In fact, RoHS known as the restriction to use the lead. However, it is restricted to use of six different materials. RoHS limits the use of lead 1000 ppm, the use of mercury 100 ppm, the use of cadmium 100 ppm, the use of hexavalent chromium compounds 1000 ppm, the use of polychlorinated biphenyl 1000 ppm, and the use of polybrominated diphenyl ether 1000 ppm. PPM stands for parts per million. PPM used to define the threshold values.

The RoHS directive applied on many products such as; white appliances  (refrigerator, washing machine, dishwasher and so on), small home appliances ( vacuum cleaner, toaster, kettle and so on), consumer electronics, lighting equipment, communication equipment, and toys. All the devices that operates with electric current must comply with RoHS directives.

Electronic device producers use lead-free solder to comply with RoHS. In this kind of solders, tin, silver, and copper alloys are used instead of tin and lead alloys. Lead-based solder melts at 183 °C, while lead-free solder requires temperatures of 217 °C and above. This will make soldering a little bit difficult but, it also makes it possible to withstand higher temperatures in its electronic circuits.

Long-term exposure to substances restricted by the RoHS directive can cause serious health problems. RoHS is applied to control manufacturers and distributors, and to protect consumers and the environment.

It is necessary to comply with this directive in order to sell the products in EU market. Legal proceedings are initiated against the company that is found to be selling products that do not comply with the RoHS directive. A fine or imprisonment may be imposed as a result of the investigation.

RoHS is one of the legal directives for a product to have CE mark. If there is a CE mark on a product that means it is comply with RoHS directive. Logos containing the phrases “RoHS”, “RoHS Compliant”, “Lead free RoHS Compliant” may be used on the products to indicate RoHS compliance.