Hello,
The European Union (EU) has a Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive which affects specified products in electrical and electronic equipment that are placed on the EU internal market. It requires manufacturers who ship to Europe to ensure their products are compliant and do not exceed the maximum concentration levels for specific materials.
“It is essential to understand that the European RoHS Directive does not apply to North American products nor any other products outside of the European Union market,” explained Joe Caligiuri, Product Compliance Specialist at Interpower.
Two Requirements of the European Union RoHS Directive
- The EU RoHS Directive restricts the use of the following materials:
| Restricted Substance Name |
Maximum Concentration |
|
Lead
|
0.1%
|
|
Mercury
|
0.1%
|
|
Cadmium
|
0.01%
|
|
Hexavalent Chromium
|
0.1%
|
|
Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBB)
|
0.1%
|
|
Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDE)
|
0.1%
|
|
Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate (DEHP)
|
0.1%
|
|
Butyl Benzyl Phthalate (BBP)
|
0.1%
|
|
Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP)
|
0.1%
|
|
Diisobutyl Phthalate (DIBP)
|
0.1%
|
- CE Marking
The RoHS Directive also needs to meet the requirements of the CE marking regulations (subject to the general principles in Article 30 of Regulation [EC] No. 765/2008). The CE marking is only for the European Union.
Ensuring Appropriate Products are RoHS Compliant
“Interpower has taken steps to ensure products shipping to the EU are RoHS compliant. One of these steps was to purchase a Niton XL3t XRF Analyzer,” Joe said.
The limitation of this test is that it is only capable of detecting materials close to the surface. While this analyzer detects lead, mercury, cadmium, chromium, and bromates, it cannot distinguish the type of chromium nor the type of bromates, such as PBB or PBDE. This would require further investigation if readings are too high in these areas. The device also cannot detect DEHP, BBP, DBP, and DIBP. For these substances, Interpower’s suppliers will need to provide the information.
| Niton XL3t XRF Analyzer |
Niton XL3t XRF Analyzer Work Station |
|
|
|
The screening process is rather simple. The object is placed into the protective test stand. The operator selects the appropriate analytical mode, plastic mode, or alloy mode. When the test is completed, one of the following results will appear: Failed (non-compliant), Inconclusive (further testing), or Pass (compliant). For “Failed” and “Inconclusive” results, a XRF screening report is generated. The report is used when notifying the supplier. The supplier will be required to provide supporting documents (i.e. test lab reports or material information) in order to conclude the RoHS status.
Compliant screening report data is entered in the product database. This information appears on the Interpower website for that particular product.
Interpower’s Commitment to Environmental Responsibility
“Interpower continues to demonstrate a commitment to safe working and environmental responsibility. As we clear products to be RoHS compliant, we will update our website by part number. This is identified by the Interpower environmental logo along with a Certificate of Compliance or RoHS Screening Report,” Joe said.
Additional Resources
RoHS Directive—http://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/rohs_eee/legis_rohs1_en.htm
Interpower offers a 1-week U.S. manufacturing lead-time on non-stock Interpower products, same day shipping on in-stock products, and no minimum order or dollar requirements. Blanket and scheduled orders along with value-added service are available. If you have questions, Interpower offers free technical support. You can check the website at www.interpower.com, e-mail sales@interpower.com (United States) or uk@interpower.com (United Kingdom) or contact Customer Service in the United States at (800) 662-2290 or in the United Kingdom at +44 (0)1908 295300.
