RoHS stands for Restriction of Hazardous Substances (also known as, Directive 2002/95/EC) and is a regulation that was enacted in July of 2006 by the European Union. This standard specifically restricts hazardous substances found in electrical and electronic products, with 10 substances on this restricted list. This restriction applies to the electronic products themselves, sub-assemblies, components, or cables and cannot be sold or distributed in countries within the EU. While only technically applicable to products sold in the EU, this standard is observed by companies and industries around the world as supply chains become more connected to one another.
Environmental compliance regulations offer many of the same benefits across the board - economic advantage, safer and cleaner environments, and innovation throughout supply chains - the same can be said for RoHS.
Technology and electronics are the forces behind the fastest growing businesses and industries around the globe. So much of our world depends on the ever-improving nature of the technology at our fingertips. With RoHS setting the standard for how toxic substances are used in technology, it is in the best financial interest of companies operating in this space to comply with RoHS standards. Because of regulations like RoHS, the safer products are, the more chance they have of being successful in economic markets everywhere. Not to mention, non-compliance can result in hefty fines amounting to millions of euros.
At its core, the founding reason behind RoHS is to prevent hazardous material from entering the environment and polluting landfills, while also protecting people from exposure during manufacturing and recycling. Operating within the compliance standard of RoHS provides the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the way we interact with our environment. Data suggests incredible reductions in the amount of toxic chemicals being disposed of in the environment because of the RoHS initiatives.
The preservation and protection of natural resources is a long-term investment for all of us.
ECOLAS, A. R. C. A. D. I. S. (n.d.). Study of RoHS and Weee N° 30-Ce-0095296/00-09 (Final report) (pp. 1–349). European Commission.
Not only is technology one of the fastest growing industries, it is also one of the fastest changing. With RoHS guidelines in place, manufacturers have baseline knowledge of what substances are harmful and should be left out of supply chains. This leaves room to find more sustainable, efficient, and even cost-effective solutions that may have otherwise gone undiscovered. This is an opportunity to make better business decisions that benefit all parties involved.
For more information on RoHS please visit the RoHS guide.