RoHS and How RoHS applies?

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RoHS is Restriction of Hazardous Substance Directive adopted by European Union in February 2003. It finally took effect in the European Union on 1 July 2006.

RoHS restricts the use of the following substances in the manufacture of various types of electronic and electrical equipments:

i. lead;
ii. mercury;
iii. cadmium;
iv. hexavalent chromium;
v. polybrominated biphenyls (PBB);
vi. polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE).

How RoHS applies

For the moment, there is no special product labeling. Many manufacturers have adopted their own compliance marks to reduce confusion. Marks like “RoHS compliant”, green leaves, check mark, “PB-free” marking can be seen on products.

Advantages

RoHS mitigates damage to people and environment in the third world countries where the “high tech waste” is sent to.

Disadvantages
RoHS has adverse effect in product quality and reliability. To comply with RoHS, one has to incur higher cost.