One may be asked to provide documentation on RoHS compliance. What is RoHS Compliance? Why is it required? How may it affect your business?
RoHS started as a European Union (EU) directive, restricting the use of 10 banned substances in all electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). These EEE products must comply with the RoHS directive. Many other countries have also adopted RoHS standards.
RoHS is an acronym for Restriction of Hazardous Substances. The 10 banned substances are:
| Lead | Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) |
| Mercury | Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) |
| Cadmium | Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP) |
| Hexavalent Chrome | Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP) |
| Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBB) | Diisobutylphthalte (DIBP) |
These chemicals may be carcinogenic or present other health hazards. Many are also listed under the California Prop 69 regulation and other federal regulations.
Since all electronics and electrical equipment must be RoHS compliant, all parts that go into the equipment must be complaint. This includes any plastic or phenolic parts. Note that Stainless Steel, while it has chrome in its composition, does not contain hexavalent chrome. There are some exemptions, and your customer should advise if the parts being fabricated are exempt or one can check the EU’s RoHS website. (Batteries are not included in RoHS, but have a separate standard.) The RoHS compliance is required for the “CE” marking on products.
While the RoHS regulations related to electrical and electronic equipment only, it may impact other products destined for the EU. The chemicals listed on the RoHS list are also on the REACH list, another EU regulation. While RoHS only affects electrical and electronic equipment, REACH controls the chemicals used to manufacture the product, including coatings, paints, solvents and chemicals. If a product is not RoHS compliant, it may not be REACH complaint.
Keddie Enterprises uses materials and produces parts that are RoHS compliant. We are a full-service Machining and Fabrication Shop, committed to providing our customers the best service and value.
Contact us today to request a quote or schedule a time to review a project.