The next step toward the potential addition of seven substance groups to the European Union (EU) Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive is underway. On May 4, the Oeko-Institut will close its final round of consultation on the substances before submitting a final report to the European Commission.
In 2018, the European Commission began considering extending Annex II of the RoHS Directive to include substances beyond the 10 restricted under the directive. The European Commission tasked the institute to complete the initiative, including holding several rounds of consultation. The commission will make their decision about expanding the RoHS Directive based in part on the information presented in the coming report.
Proposed New RoHS Substances
The seven groups under review are as follows:
- Cobalt Salts
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The five cobalt salts (cobalt sulphate, cobalt dichloride, cobalt dinitrate, cobalt carbonate and cobalt diacetate) are used in metal surface treatment processes, including electroplating and metal passivation.
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- Nickel Sulphate & Nickel Sulfamate
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Used in metal surface treatment processes, including electrolytic plating and electroless technologies.
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- Indium Phosphide
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Used in telecommunications.
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- Beryllium & Beryllium Oxide
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Used in some electric motors.
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- MCCPs
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Medium Chain Chlorinated Paraffins (MCCPs) are used as low-cost lubricants and as secondary plasticisers in vinyl.
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- TBBP-A
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Used most often as a reactive flame retardant.
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- Diantimony Trioxide (or ATO)
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ATO is used in combination with halogenated flame retardants.
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Learn more about your requirements in our EU RoHS Directive Scoping Guide.
While the final report has yet to be written, the current consensus is that some of these groups of chemicals, such as MCCPs, should be considered for restriction. Others, such as the cobalt salts, are not recommended for restriction at this time.
RoHS Restricted Substances
The RoHS Directive restricts the use of 10 substances used in electrical or electronic equipment (EEE) being produced or sold in the EU market.
Currently, the RoHS restricted substances are:
- Lead.
- Mercury.
- Cadmium.
- Hexavalent chromium.
- Polybrominated biphenyls.
- Polybrominated diphenyl ether.
- Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate.
- Butyl benzyl phthalate.
- Dibutyl phthalate.
- Diisobutyl phthalate.
The most recent expansion of substances occurred on July 22, 2019, when the ban on the four phthalate plasticizers came into force.
How Assent Can Help
Electronic equipment has some of the most advanced supply chains in the world, and scoping products for the risks presented by regulatory expansion is time consuming. Assent’s RoHS Module can streamline the data collection required to respond to changing regulations and better prepare you for the future. To learn more, contact our experts.
