Environmental Solutions - RoHS
RoHS (pronounced “ROSS”) is an acronym that stands for the Restriction of Hazardous Substances. The European Union (EU) began in approximately 1999 to generate an EU Directive (2002/95/EC) that would restrict the use of certain hazardous substances. This Directive was based upon the Article 95 of the EU Treaty where changes to the Directive must be agreed to in advance by all EU Member States. The EU RoHS Directive ban the putting on the EU market of new Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) containing more than permitted levels of the following:
Lead (pb)
Mercury
Cadmium
Hexavalent Chromium
Polybrominated Biphenyl (PBB)
Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether (PBDE)
There are a number of exempted applications for these substances. Manufacturers will need to ensure that their products and the components of such products comply with the requirements of the Directive. In the WEEE Directive, there are ten (10) product categories identified. With respect to RoHS, only eight (8) of those product categories apply at this time. The eight categories are:
Large Household Appliances
Small Household Appliances
IT & Telecommunications Equipment
Consumer Equipment
Lighting Equipment
Electrical and Electronic Equipment
Toys
Automatic Dispensers
The regulations will also have an impact on those who import EEE into the EU on a professional basis, those who export to other Member States and those who rebrand other manufacturer’s EEE as their own
These Regulations do not affect the application of existing legal requirements for EEE including those regarding safety, the protection of health, existing transport requirements or provisions on hazardous waste. In other words, existing legislation on EEE and hazardous substances must also be complied with.
The Effectivity Date for the Regulation Enforcement is: JULY 1, 2006
Producers must be able to demonstrate compliance by submitting technical documentation or other information to the appropriate EU Member State Enforcement agency upon request and retain such documentation for a period of four (4) years after the EEE is place on the EU Market.
If you have doubts and/or uncertainty on how you should proceed, contact M-Cubed Global and we will help you resolve the issue. M-Cubed Global has partnered with a world leader in Intertek.
Intertek is an international leader in testing, inspection and certification of products & commodities and certifications of systems
Intertek has over 300 laboratories in 102 countries worldwide
Intertek has in excess of 1000 resources dedicated to the RoHS Directives
Intertek is the Recognized Leader in Supply Chain compliance management services
Intertek is committed to capitalizing on their strengths including;
- An Extensive Global Network
- A strong local presence
- Unique range of accreditations, certifications, and approvals
- Highly skilled teams
- Cutting edge solutions
- A desire to exceed customer expectations
Together, M-Cubed Global and Intertek provides the complete RoHS Solution.
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