Critical Links

The European Commission (EC) has announced proposed changes to the scope of the ROHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) directive.

The two stage review looked at new products, restricted substances and changes to scope while part two, to be announced early in 2009, included a comprehensive review of exemptions (eight are expected to be annulled, and one new one added).

As part of the revised directive the list of indicative product categories will move from the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) directive over to a new annex in the ROHS directive. This list will be updated as required by the EC.

Other key highlights include:

-Categories 8 (medical devices) and 9 (monitoring and control instruments) will fall within scope with implementation dates ranging from 2014 through to 2017. Numerous exemptions are also under review to support these categories.

-The list of banned substances remains the same, but four substances are identified for priority assessment with a view to a possible ban in the future.

-Non-compliant spare parts can now be used for maintenance and repair of equipment that had benefited from an exemption, providing it is placed on the market prior to the exemption expiring.

-Exemptions will be subject to a four-year maximum validity period in an attempt to stimulate efforts to find substitutes.

-The proposals include a mechanism for introducing substance bans in line with REACH methodology, as the EC looks to maximise the synergy across the regulations.


These changes will impact industry, although the EC has clearly given as much notice as possible, allowing manufacturers to achieve compliance.

What do you think about the changes? Voice your opinions below.

About the author
As director of legislation and environmental affairs, Gary Nevison is Newark's and Farnell's spokesperson and customer interface on legislation that affects the electronics industry, such as the ROHS (all variations around the world), REACH, EuP, and WEEE directives. For more on Gary, click here.