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What is RoHS?

RoHS is the acronym for Restriction of Hazardous Substances. RoHS, also known as Directive 2002/95/EC, originated in the European Union and restricts the use of specific hazardous materials found in electrical and electronic products. All applicable products in the EU market after July 1, 2006 must pass RoHS compliance.

What are the restricted materials mandated under RoHS?

The substances banned under RoHS are lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), hexavalent chromium (CrVI), polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE).

Why is RoHS compliance important?

The restricted materials are hazardous to the environment and pollute landfills, and are dangerous in terms of occupational exposure during manufacturing and recycling.

How are products tested for RoHS compliance?

Portable RoHS analyzers, also known as X-ray fluorescence or XRF metal analyzers, are used for screening and verification of RoHS compliance.

Which companies are affected by the RoHS Directive?

Any business that sells applicable electronic products, sub-assemblies or components directly to EU countries, or sells to resellers, distributors or integrators that in turn sell products to EU countries, is impacted if they utilize any of the restricted materials.

What is WEEE?

WEEE is the acronym for Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment. WEEE, also known as Directive 2002/96/EC, mandates the treatment, recovery and recycling of electric and electronic equipment. All applicable products in the EU market after August 13, 2006 must pass WEEE compliance and carry the "Wheelie Bin" sticker.

How are RoHS and WEE related?

WEEE compliance aims to encourage the design of electronic products with environmentally-safe recycling and recovery in mind. RoHS compliance dovetails into WEEE by reducing the amount of hazardous chemicals used in electronic manufacture.

What are the 8 product categories impacted under the RoHS Directive?

Large household appliances: refrigerators, washers, stoves, air conditioners

Small household appliances: vacuum cleaners, hair dryers, coffee makers, irons

Computing & communications equipment: computers, printers, copiers, phones

Consumer electronics: TVs, DVD players, stereos, video cameras

Lighting: lamps, lighting fixtures, light bulbs

Power tools: drills, saws, nail guns, sprayers, lathes, trimmers, blowers

Toys and sports equipment: videogames, electric trains, treadmills

Automatic dispensers: vending machines, ATM machines

What products are currently exempted from RoHS compliance?

Large stationary industrial tools

Control and monitoring equipment

National security use and military equipment

Medical devices

Some light bulbs and some batteries

Spare parts for electronic equipment in the market before July 1, 2006.

Have a general question?

Contact your PEI Genesis sales office for guidance. Or you can submit a question via our Customer Request Form and your local office will respond shortly.

Have a technical RoHS question?

Please contact Kitty Wheat, PEI-Genesis by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for information about RoHS not found in the above resources.

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