ROHS Directive is a single market Directive on the restriction of certain hazardous substances. Itseeks to reduce the environmental by restricting the use of certain hazardous substances during themanufacturing of electrical and electronics products. It is complementary to the WEEE Directive. Itcover all products that are covered by the WEEE Directive except categories 8 & 9.

Effective from 1 July 2006, the following 6 substances will be banned.

1) LEAD
2) MERCURY
3) CADMIUM
4) HEXAVALENT CHROMIUM
5) POLYBROMINATED BIPHENYLS(PBB)
6) POLYBROMINATED DIPHENYL ETHERS (PBDE)

The Directive is having a major impact on the design of electrical and electronicproducts as industry invests in finding alternatives to key substances such as lead and brominatedflame retardants. There is continuing debate on the environmental impact of the banned substances,along with pressure for more exemptions.

Lead is a substance of concern around the world. A high percentage(may be up to 90%) of electronic components contain lead, mainly lead solder. Findingalternatives to lead solder is a massive undertaking because of product reliability, component compatibility,energy use, and cost issues.

Brominated flame retardants are also ubiquitous in electronic products and are used primarily in printedwiring boards, plastic housings, and cables. The Directive requires the elimination of twocategories of retardant: polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers(PBDEs). Another brominated flame retardant — tetrabromobisphenol (TBBP-A), which is widelyused in electronic equipment — may be added to the list in the future.Research continueson alternative flame retardants, such as those based on phosphorous, and on materials that are able to withstandsuch high temperatures that they do not require flame retardants. Environmental organizations are pressingfor a ban on all brominated flame retardants.