The RoHS stands for the Restriction of Hazardous Substances, in specific, applies to electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). It aims to prevent pollution in product design, purchase, and production phases by restricting the use of harmful chemicals such as heavy metals, brominated flame retardants, and phthalates in such products. In the EU/EEA, the RoHS prevents the use of certain chemicals in EEEs above a threshold of 1000 ppm and sets out requirements to be applied by manufacturers, importers, and distributors throughout the supply chain.

Despite its undeniably positive impact, the RoHS is facing several challenges. Among these are RoHS’s repeated inconsistencies with REACH, and its inability to tackle the negative effects on human health and the environment of the global increase in E-waste. The increase is especially detrimental for low- and middle-income countries, which are often involved in the informal recycling and landfilling of E-waste. These issues, however, are being addressed: low- and middle-income countries are adopting legislation on E-waste management, and the EU Green New Deal will involve a review of RoHS aimed at enhancing consistency with REACH.

As of 2020, over 45 jurisdictions outside of the European Economic Area (EEA) consider adopting or already introduced RoHS-like regulations. The following sections introduce the RoHS regulation, and its impacts on the electronics industry, a global overview of the RoHS, and current challenges. This month, the Newsletter team at GPC brings to you a Global Overview on the RoHS and to stay updated on how increased concern over environmental and health impacts of electronics boost the RoHS-like regulations around the world.

Please click here to read our report 'A Global Overview on the RoHS'.