What
is RoHS?
RoHS is the acronym for Restriction of Hazardous Substances.
RoHS, also known as Directive 2002/95/EC, originated in the
European Union and restricts the use of specific hazardous
materials found in electrical and electronic products. All
applicable products in the EU market after July 1, 2006 must
pass RoHS compliance. For the complete directive, see Directive
2002/95/EC of the European Parliament.
What
are the restricted materials mandated under RoHS?
The substances banned under RoHS are lead (Pb), mercury (Hg),
cadmium (Cd), hexavalent chromium (CrVI), polybrominated biphenyls
(PBB) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE).
Why is RoHS compliance important?
The restricted materials are hazardous to the environment
and pollute landfills, and are dangerous in terms of occupational
exposure during manufacturing and recycling.
How are products tested for RoHS compliance?
Portable RoHS analyzers, also known as X-ray fluorescence
or XRF metal analyzers, are used for screening and verification
of RoHS compliance.
Which
companies are affected by the RoHS Directive?
Any business that sells applicable electronic products, sub
assemblies or components directly to EU countries, or sells
to resellers, distributors or integrators that in turn sell
products to EU countries, is impacted if they utilize any
of the restricted materials.
What
is WEEE?
WEEE is the acronym for Waste from Electrical and Electronic
Equipment. WEEE, also known as Directive 2002/96/EC, mandates
the treatment, recovery and recycling of electric and electronic
equipment. All applicable products in the EU market after
August 13, 2006 must pass WEEE compliance and carry the "Wheelie
Bin" sticker. For the complete directive, see Directive
2002/96/EC of the European Parliament.
How
are RoHS and WEE related?
WEEE compliance aims to encourage the design of electronic
products with environmentally-safe recycling and recovery
in mind. RoHS compliance dovetails into WEEE by reducing the
amount of hazardous chemicals used in electronic manufacture
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