ROHS: Exemptions for lead in copper alloys expire

ROHS

The EU RoHS Directive, which restricts certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment, still allows an exemption for copper alloys containing up to 4 percent lead by mass (see 6c, Annex III). However, this exemption actually ends on July 21, 2021, after which no electrical and electronic equipment containing more than 0.1 percent lead in materials would be allowed to be placed on the market in the EU. However, industry representatives have requested that the exemption be extended. The Commission is expected to decide on this by the end of this year. Until that decision is made, the exemption will remain in effect. If the Commission then declines to extend it, there will be a further transition period of at least 12 and no more than 18 months from the date of the Commission’s decision. This would mean a final expiration of the transition period between the end of 2022 and mid-2023. If the request for an extension is granted, it would be for five years from the date of the regular end to July 21, 2026.

However, the use of lead was already reduced to a maximum of 0.1 percent by weight in homogeneous substances in the very first version of the RoHS Directive in 2002. For almost two decades, the exemption for copper alloys has been extended. Critics point out that the strategy of continually extending industry exemptions not only works against environmental and health protection, but also poses business risks. This is because OEMs that are not now moving to lead-free variants in their development could have to quickly redesign their electronic assemblies at great cost and effort if a ban is imposed. Lead-free alternative materials are already available for numerous components.

 

Sources:

https://www.elektronikpraxis.vogel.de/rohs-ausnahmeregelung-6c-endet-was-sie-jetzt-beachten-sollten-a-1005857/

https://www.anwalt.de/rechtstipps/rohs-richtlinie-antraege-auf-erneuerung-von-ausnahmen_185223.html