Directive Decoder

2011 will witness several changes to the list of RoHS exemptions.

Exemptions 19, 20 and 21 will expire on 1 June.

Until 31 December there had been no limitation of use on 1a, 1b, 1e, 2a1, 2a2, 2a3, 2a5, 2b3, 2b4, 3a, 3b, 3c, 4a, 4b1, 4b2, 4b3, 4c1, 4c2, 4c3.

However, after that date, new stricter maximum values / restriction enter into force.

Many exemptions have expiry dates and so will automatically expire unless a request for an extension or renewal is made an agreed.

The current list of exemptions is attached

Directive Decoder

The high level scope of RoHS is set to change under the recast.

While Electrical and Electronic  Equipment (EEE) is unchanged the term "dependent" does:

Currently: EEE dependent on electric currents or electromagnetic fields for its primary function

Recast: EEE dependent on electric currents or electromagnetic field to fulfil at least one intended function.

Therefore this would, in theory, include a gas cooker, previously out of scope, with an electric clock.

Publication of the RoHS recast could now be around June time.

Directive Decoder

Directive Decoder (Gary Nevison of Farnell) will be giving a RoHS recast and brief REACH update next Tuesday at noon in the Pavilion, NEC Birmingham.

Please come along and say hello, I would love to see you.

Directive Decoder

As part of the RoHS recast the European Commission will review both scope and additional substance restrictions within 3 years.

On a separate note several of the product areas that will be excluded as part of the recast, which is now expected to be published in the Official Journal in June, could potentially be captured in 2019 under the open scope category 11.

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has published version 2 of its excellent guide to REACH Substances in Articles.

The comprehensive document covers such topics as deciding what is an article, substances intended to be released from articles, requirements concerning Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) and obtaining information on SVHCs.

This is the ultimate reference guide to substances in articles, one to print of and have on your desk as a key reference document.

Guide to SIA

Directive Decoder

With the RoHS recast now getting closer to publication in the Official Journal it is time to publish a thorough review.

Follow the link to a comprehensive summary.

RoHS recast

Directive Decoder

There is a "burden on industry" impact assessment underway at present. Will your company have the processes and procedures in place, and the resources to take this in your stride?

For a review of the likely impact on distributors, importers and distributors follow the link below:

Impact of RoHS CE mark

Directive Decoder