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Environmental Legislation
What is RoHS?
The purpose of the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive is primarily to lessen the impact of the increasing electronics waste on the environment by promoting environmentally responsible manufacturing processes for electronic devices sold in the European Union (EU). The RoHS directive prioritizes changes to the beginning of a product’s life, making the product environmentally friendly throughout its life cycle The current restricted substances are Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, Chromium VI (hexavalent chromium), PBB and PBDE, although this list is likely to be modified over the years. It takes effect July 1, 2006. The final responsibility lies with EU manufacturers and distributors to ensure compliance but its effects reach around the globe to all suppliers of the components used to manufacture these devices. more>>
Download RoHS Directive Amendment (additional EEE exemptions)
What is WEEE?
The purpose of the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive is also to lessen the impact of the increasing electronics waste on the environment; however, its focus is on the recycling of electronic devices in the EU. Its primary impact is at the end of product life by keeping non environmentally friendly products out of landfills. It demands that the manufacturers of electronic devices be responsible for the collection, recycling, treating and disposal of the products they manufacture. The WEEE directive took effect on August 13th, 2005. This directive has minimal impact on component manufacturers and suppliers. more>>
Global Environmental Legislation
The role of environmental stewardship continues to grow along with the expansion of our global marketplace. While the RoHS and WEEE directives apply to the European Union, similar legislation is underway across the globe. In the USA, RoHS-like regulations are being enacted in California to take effect in 2007. Similarly, China's Administrative Measure on the Control of Pollution Caused by Electronic Information Products takes effect March 1, 2007 and is stricter than the EU's RoHS/WEEE directives. Japan has already enacted the Japanese Home Electronics Recycling Law which took effect in 2001 and South Korea has developed a voluntary electronics recycling program for 2005-2006. more>>
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: This site is intended to provide guidance based on evolving legislation that is very complex and at times vague; it does not constitute legal advice. Ultimately the interpretation of these regulations lies with the judicial only. While we strive to maintain accurate and up to date information, we cannot be held liable for the information provided; The reader is responsible for compliance with the law. Should the user have any concerns over compliance, it is the users responsibility to seek professional advice, or contact the appropriate regulators or authority.