Regulatory Context & Substantive Thresholds
The RoHS Directive is formally designated as the Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on "The Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment". It establishes strict operational limits for the content of restricted hazardous substances within electrical and electronic equipment distributed across European markets.
The regulated substances encompass specific heavy metals, flame retardants, and plasticisers, including:
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Lead (Pb)
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Mercury (Hg)
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Cadmium (Cd)
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Hexavalent Chromium (Cr VI)
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Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBB)
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Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDE)
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Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)
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Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP)
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Dibutyl phthalate (DBP)
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Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP)
The directive dictates maximum allowable concentration levels of these substances within the "homogeneous materials" of covered equipment. Under these regulatory frameworks, the maximum concentration level by weight in homogeneous materials is restricted to 0.1% for lead, mercury, hexavalent chromium, PBB, PBDE, and the identified phthalate compounds, and restricted to 0.01% for cadmium.
Daubert Cromwell recognises the importance of complying with the RoHS 3 Directive. In order to meet the requirements, we submitted our key VCI papers, films and devices for testing by an independent laboratory. Results prove that none of them contain any of the hazardous substances listed.
Dr Jonathan Brekan
Vice President Technology
Daubert Cromwell
