RoHS and REACH Compliances
Author: Kassie Teagarden, Senior Content Marketing Specialist, LAPP Tannehill
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RoHS Directive
There has been a steady rise in production and usage of electrical and electronic products such as mobile phones, computers, and kitchen appliances that leads to an overwhelming increase of waste from these items that contain hazardous substances. These harmful substances can cause major environmental and health issues.
To address these challenges, EU laws have restricted the use of these hazardous substances since 2003 with the RoHS Directive to prevent risks posed to human health and the environment related to the management of electronic and electrical waste. RoHS stands for the ‘restriction of hazardous substances’ in electrical and electronic equipment. The directive promotes substitution of safer alternatives that have fewer hazardous substances.
Electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) containing hazardous substances that have been banned through the RoHS Directive include lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls and polybrominated diphenyl ethers, bis phthalate, butyl benzyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, and diisobutyl phthalate.
WEEE Directive
To further combat this challenge, EU laws have also implemented the WEEE Directive in 2003 to promote the collection and recycling of electrical and electronic equipment. WEEE stands for ‘waste of electrical or electronic equipment’, commonly referred to as e-waste.
The collection, treatment, and recycling of EEE at the end of the device life can improve sustainable production and consumption, increase resource efficiency, and contribute to the circular economy.
REACH Regulation
The RoHS and WEEE Directives are correction actions whereas the REACH Regulation is a preventive action towards combating harmful substances to human and environmental health.
The REACH Regulation aims to improve the protection of human health and the environment through the better and earlier identification of intrinsic properties of chemical substances. The implementation of REACH in 2007 has challenged and enhanced the innovation and competitiveness of the EU chemicals industry.
By the end of 2022, a REACH revision assessment will include the possible impacts of potential changes to: the protection of human health and the environment, the use of animal testing, the functioning of the internal market, and the competitiveness and innovation of European industry and businesses.
U.S. Laws and Restrictions on Hazardous Substances
As of 2022, there are no federal restrictions in the U.S. but the state of California has its own RoHS laws in Health and Safety Code sections 25214.9-25214.10.2 and the California Code of Regulations, Title 22, section 66260.202 and the Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC).
Covered electronic devices sold in California must meet the same requirements as those in the European Union’s RoHS legislation. Restricted materials include all the same hazardous substances in the RoHS Directive.
Other U.S. states that have enacted RoHS-like and e-waste regulations include Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin.
Who’s affected by these laws and regulations?
Any manufacturers who are selling products, importing, exporting, or distributing to the EU must follow these regulations. They are responsible for identifying hazardous substances in their products, finding suitable alternatives, and communicating to suppliers to certify the products they provide with all applicable regulations.
If you’re not sure you’re following these regulations, you can verify RoHS compliance by obtaining a certification from independent testing centers and labs within the U.S.
To put it simply, if you’re a manufacturer, reseller, or distributor that sells EEE products, sub-assemblies, components, or cables directly to EU states, then you’ll need to adhere to RoHS.
If you’re wondering if a product is RoHS or REACH certified, read our article on how to find out, or if it’s not listed, then reach out to a LAPP Tannehill representative.
