Since February 13, 2003, the RoHS (restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment) has been a law in EU. RoHS bans lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), hexavalent chromium (Cr6+), PBBs (polybrominated biphenyls), and PBDEs (polybrominated diphenys ethers). The implementation date is July 1, 2006. That means, starting from that date, all EEE (electrical and electronic equipment), except those with exemptions, cannot be put on the market in the EU if they contain those six banned materials. The categories of EEE covered by the EU RoHS are:

1.  Large Household Appliances
2.  Small Household Appliances
3.  IT and Telecommunications Equipment
4.  Consumer Equipment
5.  Lighting Equipment
6.  Electrical and Electronic Tools (with the exception of large-scale stationary industrial tools)
7.  Toys, Leisure and Sports Equipment
8.  Medical Devices (with the exception of all implanted and infected products) [Not covered by RoHS]
9.  Monitoring and Control Instruments [Not covered by RoHS]
10.  Automatic Dispensers

It should be pointed out that, as of today, categories 8 and 9 are not covered by the RoHS. Many people misunderstood and thought these products are exempted. Actually, they are not even covered by the RoHS which means they don’t have to obey the RoHS at all. Since September 2005, the EU Commissioner has hired a consultant to look into these two categories of products. If the EU Commissioner decides to propose inclusion of these 2 categories it would not expect to put proposals to the Parliament and Council (according to the Comitology rules) before the end of 2007. Thus, we would not expect to see any new measures come into force before 2010, which is the earliest date if all the voting/ruling passed!