US to get own 'RoHS' rules...at last

Mr. Wilson, you seem to not understand the processes of the US congress and have done little more than perhaps notice that a bill was introduced into the House of Representatives...by a relatively unknown Republican from Texas(!).

The likelihood of this "RoHS"-like bill passing is actually quite low. Industry is distinctly against it - talk to many of the more well-known US-based industry associations and they will tell you as much. It has little commonality with EU RoHS - the scope is wildly different because it was dreamt up by NEMA, so it is Electrical in nature, not Electronic. It has additional exemptions that are not in any other version of RoHS.

With industry against it, and having come from industry, it has little hope - fortunately - of becoming law.

Not only is the law unlikely to pass as unfortunate as that is but individual states continue to create their own requirements. This could make it very difficult to conduct business here as there could be as many as 52 potential standard in the US without a national law. Yes 52 with NYC and Washington DC.

Finally the RoHS standard came into force in 2006, not 10 years ago.

Glenn, you are the second guy to point out that the passing of the legislation is far from a done-deal. But surely it is only a matter of time before the US has some form of hazardous substances rules. Must US electronics firms are trading in international markets where they exist already after all.
Also check out NEDA, they certainly want to see it happen.

Thanks for the comments.

Richard

I would think industry would be very eager for the US to pass a single national RoHS standard. With California, New York and other jurisdictions creating their own standards, a single federal code would simplify their lives greatly.

Republicans and others who are traditionally reluctant to regulate heavily would be wise to view US-RoHS not as a US domestic issue but as an international issue: the only thing worse than having to comply with US standards is having to comply with EU standards! At least with a US-RoHS, American business gets a say in the matter.

In my opinion, the environment comes first and states' rights comes second.