RoHS stands for Restriction of Hazardous Substances. Its purpose is to address the global issue of consumer electronics waste. Many electronics are disposed and end up in landfills which cause environmental and human health hazards. This directive pertains to manufacturing of various types of equipment without the use of six different hazardous materials like, Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, Hexavalent chromium (Cr6+): Used in chrome plating, chromate coatings, and primers, Polybrominated biphenyls (PBB): Flame retardant in plastic, Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE): Flame retardant in plastic, Bis(2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), Dibutyl phthalate (DBP),Disobutyl phthalate (DIBP)
REACH stands for:-
Registration: Chemical producers are required to register safety data for all chemicals produced.
Evaluation: Experts from member states and the European Agency evaluate safety data for higher volume chemicals and other chemicals of concern.
Authorization: Chemicals that are of “very high concern” are to be phased out and replaced with safer alternative chemicals.
Restriction of Chemicals: Chemicals may be completely banned or some uses of the chemicals can be restricted.
This is a European Union regulation. The sole purpose of REACH is to address the production and use of chemical substances, and their potential impacts on both human health and the environment. REACH requires all companies manufacturing or importing chemical substances into the European Union in quantities of one ton or more per year to register these substances with European Chemical Agency (ECHA). Manufacturers, importers and also their customers are required to communicate information on chemicals throughout the supply chain in order to be aware of information relating to health and safety of the products supplied.
The Difference between REACH & RoHS
Both the EU REACH Regulation and EU RoHS Directive aim to reduce and restrict substances that can be deemed harmful to humans and the environment, but there are some key differences.
REACH Scope: – A horizontal framework, applicable to all parts and products sold in the EU, with some exemptions, such as radioactive materials.
RoHS Scope:- A vertical sector-specific law that focuses on all electronic and electrical equipment, with a small list of specific exclusions, such as the means of transport and equipment used solely for national security purposes.
REACH Substances: – Requires written disclosure of all SVHCs (currently a list numbering 209) in products and packaging.
RoHS Substance: – Restricts the concentration of 10 specific substances in EEE products.
REACH Evaluation: – Evaluated at the article level.
RoHS Evaluation: – Evaluated at the homogenous material level.
REACH Legal: – Is a regulation, which is legally-binding across all EU member states.
RoHS Legal: – Is a directive, which means each member state must put it into national law, but it must have the same impact and effect across all territories.
How they work together
RoHS and REACH interact in a complex and complimentary way. If a product is RoHS compliant, it may not be REACH compliant, and vice-versa. A product may be required to meet both regulations. RoHS deals specifically with the electronics industry, while REACH is similar in design, but broader in focus.
There is some overlap between the two pieces of legislation. When a substance that is already covered under the RoHS Directive is added to the REACH SVHC Candidate List, enforcement authorities make an effort to ensure there is no conflict between requirements and that controls are consistent. There is a common understanding that RoHS should be given priority to regulate all issues pertaining to the use of substances in EEE.
Sign in to leave a comment.