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GLOSSARY TERM

RoHS Material List

What Is the RoHS Material List?

The Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) material list is part of the broader RoHS Directive that sets out the rules and regulations for using harmful materials in electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). The list specifies ten toxic substances that are restricted due to their potential risks to human health and the environment.

Overview of the RoHS directive

The EU RoHS Directive 2002/95/EC, which came into effect in 2006, initially restricted six substances to reduce the environmental and health impact of associated products and improve recyclability. RoHS 2 (2011/65/EU) came into effect on January 2, 2013, expanding the directive’s scope to include all EEE, unless specifically exempt.

The latest version, RoHS 3 (2015/863/EU), took effect on July 22, 2019. It introduced four phthalates to the restricted substances list.

Restricted substances and thresholds on the material list

RoHS sets strict limits on certain hazardous substances used in manufacturing EEE. These substances must not exceed a specific percentage by weight, otherwise known as the maximum concentration value (MCV). If the amount of a restricted substance in any homogeneous material — a material with a consistent composition throughout that cannot be mechanically separated into different materials — goes beyond this limit, it is considered non-compliant.

Core substances

The original RoHS directive restricted these six hazardous substances for their toxicity and environmental risks:

  • Lead (Pb) is commonly used in soldering and electronic components. It can cause serious health issues, including neurological damage, especially in children. The RoHS limit is 0.1% by weight.

Additional substances in RoHS 3

RoHS 3, introduced in 2015, added four phthalates to the restricted substances list. These are used as plasticizers in cables, coatings, and flexible plastics but are known to cause reproductive and developmental harm.

Four phthalates (DEHP, BBP, DBP, DIBP)

  • Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is used to make flexible plastics, specifically vinyl products. It can cause reproductive harm and may hinder fetal development.

Aside from risks to human health, these chemicals also contribute to environmental pollution. Their use must not exceed a concentration of 0.1% of the total weight.

Reasons for substances being included

Each substance on the RoHS material list was chosen based on its toxicity, environmental impact, and bioaccumulation potential. These substances pose significant health risks to humans, including neurological syndromes, cancer, and reproductive damage. They also contaminate soil and water, affecting ecosystems and wildlife. By restricting these materials, RoHS promotes the safer disposal and recycling of EEE.

Affected industries

RoHS compliance impacts a wide range of industries that manufacture, distribute, or sell EEE. These include:

  • Consumer electronics: Cellphone, laptop, and gaming console manufacturers.

Companies operating in these sectors must confirm that their products meet RoHS requirements to access EU and EEA markets.