The Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS)

What is RoHS?

The Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS) 2002/95/EC took effect on July 1, 2006, but is not a law; it is simply a directive. This directive restricts the use of six hazardous materials in the manufacture of various types of electronic and electrical equipment. It is closely linked with the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) 2002/96/EC which sets collection, recycling and recovery targets for electrical goods and is part of a legislative initiative to solve the problem of huge amounts of toxic e-waste.

RoHS is often referred to as the lead-free directive, but it restricts the use of the following 6 substances:

PBB and PBDE are flame retardants used in some plastics.

The maximum concentrations are 0.1% or 1000ppm (except for Cadmium, which is limited to 0.01% or 100ppm) by weight of homogeneous material. This means that the limits do not apply to the weight of the finished product, or even to a component, but to any single substance that could (theoretically) be separated mechanically - for example, the sheath on a cable or the tinning on a component lead.

As an example, a server comprises a case, screws, washers, a circuit board, etc. A circuit board comprises a bare PCB, ICs, resistors, switches etc. A switch comprises a case, a lever, a spring, contacts, pins, etc. The contact might comprise a copper strip with a surface coating.

Everything that can be identified as a homogeneous material must meet the limit. So if it turns out that the case was made of plastic with 2,300 ppm (0.23%) PBB used as a flame retardant, then the entire server would fail the requirements of the directive.

The directive applies to equipment as defined by a section of the WEEE directive. These are the following:

Large and small household appliances. IT equipment Telecommunications equipment (although infrastructure equipment is exempt in some countries) Consumer equipment Lighting equipment - including light bulbs Electronic and electrical tools Toys, leisure, and sports equipment Automatic dispensers

RoHS applies to these products in the EU whether made within the EU or imported.

Changes to this Statement

Metadigm will occasionally update this statement to reflect changes in services and customer feedback. When changes are made to this statement the "last updated" date at the top of this statement will be revised. Metadigm encourage you to periodically review this statement.

(last updated 9th August 2007)