Directive 2011/65/EU - RoHS II
Restrictions on the use of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipmentDirective 2011/65/EU, known as RoHS II (Restriction of Hazardous Substances), establishes restrictions on the use of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) in order to protect human health and the environment.
Aim
The aim is to limit the use of harmful substances in the design and production phases of EEE, and to promote the safe recovery and recycling of materials.
Banned substances (with maximum concentration limits) include:
- Lead (Pb)
- Mercury (Hg)
- Cadmium (Cd)
- Hexavalent chromium (Cr6+)
- Polybrominated biphenyls (PBB)
- Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE)
- Phthalates DEHP, BBP, DBP, DIBP
Scope of Application
It applies to a wide range of electrical and electronic products, including:
- Domestic, industrial and automation equipment
- Control systems, monitors, electronic components
- Security devices, including components for automatic gates (e.g. control units, sensors, radio modules)
There are technical exemptions for certain devices or sectors where it is not possible yet to replace substances with safe alternatives.