RoHS Compliance Definition
Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS), also known as Directive 2002/95/EC, is a product-level compliance regulation that restricts the use of specific hazardous materials found in electrical and electronic products (EEE) and originated in the European Union. All applicable products in the EU after July 1, 2006, must adhere to RoHS compliance. Products that are RoHS compliant do not exceed the allowable amounts of the following restricted materials: lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls (PBB), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE), with some limited exemptions. The restricted materials are hazardous to the environment and create occupational exposure risks during manufacturing and recycling.
This directive affects manufacturers, their authorized representatives, importers, and distributors of products including household appliances, computers, consumer electronics, power tools, toys, and more.
