Directive Decoder

The National Measurement Office, the UK RoHS Enforcement Authority, has published a very useful Producer Support Booklet.

This covers topics such as test reports, declarations, risk, internal control, homogeneous materials, exemptions, areas of non-compliance and further relevant information / useful contacts. Use the link below:

NMO Guide

Directive Decoder

The vote on the RoHS recast expected in June has been delayed due to the number of proposed amendments received, 339 in all.

It is now expected to go before the European Parliament in the Autumn and then on to the Council of Ministers around the end of the year.

Not an exact science as there are many different opinions and agreement is not guaranteed, which may lead to a second round of negotiations into next year.

Directive Decoder

The current batch of RoHS exemptions was reviewed in 2008. After a lengthy delay I understand that the TAC (Technical Adaptation Committee) will carry out a postal vote in the next few weeks. Any changes, and several are expected, will enter into force as soon as they hit the OJ (Official Journal) later this year.

While on the subject of exemptions the Council of Ministers is carrying out a review of the exemption proposals that are specific to categories 8 and 9 (medical devices and monitoring and control instruments). Paul Goodman of Cobham Technical Services, who carried out the original review a few years ago, commented that due to the time lag, it is possible that not all of the original recommendations will still be required.

Directive Decoder

The Indian Government has published proposals for the disposal of WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment). The draft also includes what is referred to as the reduction in the use of hazardous substances. This could well be a reference to RoHS although further clarity is required.

The draft does not say if the 20 substances listed, with concentration limits are restricted or that manufacturers should avoid the use of them.

It is unclear whether the thresholds refer to the concentrations in the finished product, in homogeneous materials or something else (remember the debate around this subject leading up to the implementation of EU RoHS).

There are no exemptions associated with the draft but the scope proposed is similar to EU WEEE and includes EU categories 8 and 9, medical devices and monitoring and control instruments.

Our consultants ERA Technology, trading as Cobham Technical Services has kindly provided details of the revised RoHS exemption list.