RoHS Directive

The RoHS Directive restricts the use of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) and establishes waste disposal methods for such products in order to protect human health and avoid environmental pollution.

More specifically, the RoHS Directive restricts the use of several chemical substances, including:

• Lead (Pb)
• Mercury (Hg)
• Cadmium (Cd)
• Hexavalent chromium (Cr6+)
• Polybrominated biphenyls (PBB)
• Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE)
• Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)
• Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP)
• Dibutyl phthalate (DBP)
• Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP)

Product Examples

The RoHS Directive applies to almost all electronic products placed in the European Union market, although there are some exemptions listed on the annexes of the directive.

The following are examples of products that fall under the RoHS Directive:

• Electronic toys
• Speakers
• Earphones
• Automatic dispensers
• Lighting products
• Electrical medical devices

Learn More

a. List of Products Covered by RoHS

b. Official Text of the Directive