| The RoHS Directive has restricted the use of lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium and two flame retardants, PBB and PBDE, in most electrical products sold in the EU since July 2006. The European Commission is currently reviewing the entire directive and there is a serious possibility that other substances will be banned.
ERA’s Dr Paul Goodman attended a stakeholder workshop in Brussels on this subject in May. Restrictions are being recommended for: -
- Tetrabromobisphenol A(TBBP-A)
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Used in very large quantities as a flame retardant in FR4 PCB laminates and as an additive flame retardant in ABS. Only the latter is proposed for restriction. |
- Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD)
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Used as a flame retardant in high impact polystyrene (HIPS) |
- Diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), butylbenzyl phthalate (BBP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP)
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Mainly used as plasticizers but also in inks and adhesives. |
- Medium chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCP)
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Used in cutting oils (would not be present in end-products), and as a co-plasticizer in PVC. |
- Short chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCP)
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Similar uses to those of MCCP. |
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Were used for cleaning and washing but should no longer be in use. Should not be present in end-products. |
- All organohalogen compounds (e.g. TBBPA, HBCDD, MCCP, SCCP, PVC and FEP)
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Uses are numerous. A ban would encompass all phthalate plasticizers, FEP in wire insulation, epoxy resins, and all brominated and chlorinated flame retardants. Flame retarded HIPS and ABS would automatically be banned as well. This is a very contentious issue. |
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This is water-soluble so is unlikely to be present in finished products. |
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Unclear that it is present in any products in scope. |
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Has been used in some types of electrolytic capacitor but it is not clear whether this still the case. |
Further information
ERA is supporting industry by keeping them abreast of these developments and how to respond, developing and presenting technical evidence to support exemptions, and choosing substitute materials. ERA runs courses on RoHS compliance and publishes a comprehensive RoHS guide for the electrical products sector. To find out more call us on +44 (0)1372 367444 or email.
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Pressure grows for more RoHS substance bans
