RoHS Directive

regulation

European Union regulation restricting the use of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment, including specific limits on lead, mercury, cadmium, and other toxic materials.

In Simple Terms

RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) is an EU law that limits dangerous chemicals in electronics. For plastic resin suppliers, this means ensuring materials used in electronic components don't contain prohibited substances like lead or mercury above specified thresholds.

Why It Matters

Compliance is mandatory for selling electronic products in the EU market. Non-compliant plastic resins can result in product recalls, legal penalties, and lost business. Resin traders must verify RoHS compliance to maintain access to this major market.

Technical Details

RoHS restricts ten substances including lead (≤1000ppm), mercury (≤1000ppm), cadmium (≤100ppm), hexavalent chromium (≤1000ppm), PBB and PBDE flame retardants (≤1000ppm each), and four phthalates (≤1000ppm each). Testing requires ICP-MS analysis and material declarations throughout the supply chain.

Real-World Examples

Electronics housing material selection

When sourcing ABS resin for laptop housings, manufacturers require RoHS-compliant grades with certified flame retardants that don't contain restricted PBB or PBDE compounds.

Flame retardant additive verification

A polycarbonate supplier must validate that their flame-retarded grades use phosphorus-based rather than brominated additives to meet RoHS phthalate restrictions.

Supply chain documentation

Resin traders provide RoHS certificates of compliance and test reports showing heavy metal content below directive limits for each lot shipped to electronics manufacturers.