What is the ROHS standard? Things you need to know

The ROHS standard is an important standard for electrical and electronic products. So what is the ROHS standard? Let’s learn about this standard through the article below!

Learn about ROHS standards

What is the ROHS standard?

ROHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) is a regulatory standard for the restriction of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. This standard was adopted by the European Union in February 2003, entered into force on July 1, 2006, and is mandatory for each member state in the Union.

The ROHS standard explicitly states that the use of 10 dangerous compounds cannot be used in the production of electrical and electronic equipment. The objective is to safeguard the environment and humans from dangerous pollutants. Thus, in order to be sold in Europe, electrical and electronic products must adhere to this standard.

The NMO is the regulatory body in charge of enforcing the ROHS standard (National Metrology Office). Depending on the laws of each member country, failure to comply will result in penalties, which may include fines and imprisonment.

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Hazardous substances are specified in the ROHS standard

Initially, the ROHS standard only stipulated 6 hazardous substances with limited content used in electrical and electronic products. But after March 31, 2015, the EU added four new substances, bringing the total to 10 substances, namely:

• Lead (Pb) is used in the production of solder, computer monitors, batteries, televisions, etc.
• Mercury (Hg) is used to produce fluorescent lamps, aluminum plating, printed circuit boards, etc.
• Cadmium (Cd) is used to manufacture electroplated cadmium batteries, welding materials, warning systems, dyes, etc.
• Hexavalent chromium (Cr 6+) is used in the production of stainless steel, paint, plastic, photo printing techniques, etc.
• Polyploid biphenyl (PBB) is used in the production of plastic foam, the production of plastics in household electrical appliances, etc.
• Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) is used in household electrical appliances, capacitors, printed circuit boards, etc.
• Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) for medical devices
• Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) for medical devices
• Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) for medical devices
• Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP) for medical devices

Scope of application of the standard

RoHS standards apply to the following product groups:

• Large household appliances (washing machine, refrigerator, air conditioner, microwave oven, etc.)
• Small household appliances (vacuum cleaner, thermos, electric stove, oven, etc.)
• IT and telecommunications equipment (computers, phones, fax machines, central processing units, etc.)
• Consumer equipment (radio, television, etc.)
• Lighting equipment (LEDs, fluorescent lamps, etc.)
• Electrical and electronic tools (sewing machines, drills, etc.)
• Toys, entertainment, and sports equipment (handheld video game controllers, …)
• Medical equipment (air assist machine, etc.)
• Monitoring and control tools (smoke hoods, range hoods, fireplaces, cameras, etc.)
• Automatic dispensers
• Semiconductor Devices

Benefits of enterprise products that meet ROHS standards

If many dangerous chemicals are utilized in the substance, the environment will need to be polluted daily. Not only that, but exposure to the product’s harmful ingredients has a negative impact on human health. RoHS standards must therefore be applied to electrical and electronic products in order to safeguard both the environment and public health.

The fact that enterprise products meet ROHS standards will make it easier for products to enter the EU market. Because this is a mandatory requirement if businesses want to sell directly or distribute and resell electrical and electronic products, accessories, components, cables, etc., to EU countries.

Therefore, products with the RoHS logo mean that the product has met the standards and is allowed to circulate. At the same time, customers who use the product will have more peace of mind. From there, businesses gain trust and confidence from customers.

Above is information about ROHS standards. Hopefully, through this article, you have understood what ROHS standards are. Follow Thetech to get more information about electronic components, solder, and solder paste!