Substances Regulated: Components are tested for the presence of Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Mercury (Hg), Hexavalent chromium (Hex-Cr), Polybrominated biphenyls (PBB), and Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE).

Maxium Substance Concentration Values:

• Up to 0.1% by weight (1,000ppm) in homogeneous materials for Pb, Hg, Hex-Cr, PBBs, and PBDEs
• Up to 0.01% by weight (100ppm) in homogenous materials for Cd.

Not Currently Covered Under Regulations:

• Batteries
• National Security or Military Equipment
• Products where electricity is not currently the main power source
• Products where electrical or electronic components do not fulfill primary function

Acronyms:

• RoHS: Restriction of Hazardous Substances
• WEEE: Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment
• EU: European Union
• pB: Lead
• Cd: Cadmium
• Hg: Mercury
• Hex-Cr: Hexavalent chromium
• PBB: Polybrominated biphenyls
• PBDE: Polybrominated diphenyl ethers
• Deca-BDE: Decabromodiphenyl ether

RoHS & Deca-BDE...

What is DecaBDE?:
DecaBDE (decabromodiphenyl ether) is a chemical commonly used to protect plastic components of electronic devices from the risk of fire. It is used in the formulations for the housings of televisions and appliances, and in wire and cable applications.

Overview of New Requirements for DecaBDE:
On April 1, 2008, the European Court of Justice annulled the decaBDE exemption to the RoHS Directive, stating that the European Commission used an incorrect criterion (an EU risk assessment), as the basis for the exemption. The Court permits the exemption (known as 9a) to remain in place until June 30, 2008 to allow time for regulatory and marketplace adaptations. From July 1, 2008, the use of decaBDE will be restricted in electrical and electronic products under the RoHS Directive.

DecaBDE Alternatives:
Recent studies show that many large manufacturers have already switched to alternatives that cause minimal risks to the environment. As a result of the ruling, manufacturers, retailers and importers should be taking the necessary steps to remove electrical and electronic products containing decaBDE from the marketplace.