The RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU restricts the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. The following substances are currently restricted under this directive:
- Lead (0.1%)
- Mercury (0.1 %)
- Cadmium (0.01%)
- Hexavalent chromium (0.1 %)
- Polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) (0.1 %)
- Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) (0.1 %)
- Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) (0.1 %)
- Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) (0.1 %)
- Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) (0.1 %)
- Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP) (0.1 %)
The four phthalates were included in RoHS 2011/65/EU with Delegated Directive 2015/863.
It is regularly reviewed whether further substances are eligible for restriction in order to keep pace with technical progress, protect human health and the environment and improve waste management.
Following the technical evaluation, the following substances were most recently under discussion for inclusion:
- Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBP-A)
- Medium-chain chlorinated kerosenes (MCCP)
This initiative was abandoned on December 10, 2024. These two substances are therefore not expected to be regulated under RoHS for the time being.
MCCPs have already been on the candidate list for REACH Article 33 since July 08, 2021 and TBBP-A since January 17, 2023. This means that information obligations must already be fulfilled for these substances and the way has been paved to include them in REACH Annex XIV of substances subject to authorization.
If you have any further questions or need support, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Author
Linda Kritzler (B. A.)
Material & Environmental Compliance Consultant
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
RoHS, EU Directive 2011/65/EU aims to limit the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. It specifies how hazardous substances may be used in electrical appliances and electronic components and how they may be placed on the market.
