EU Directive 2002/95/EC on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment, commonly referred to as the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive or RoHS, was enacted in 2003 and came into force on 1 July 2006.

"The purpose of the RoHS Directive is to approximate the laws of the Member States on the restrictions of the use of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment and to contribute to the protection of human health and the environmentally sound recovery and disposal of waste electrical and electronic equipment."

By restricting six substances and groups of substances in electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) the EU set a global standard for the control of hazardous substances in EEE. Other countries have followed this initiative by introducing their own RoHS legislations; China RoHS, Norwegian RoHS, Korea RoHS and Japan RoHS are just a few examples. The RoHS directive covers all kinds of EEE, ranging from toys to computers and white goods. As a result, it is impacting most EEE producers within the European Union and around the world.

Exemptions
Some electrical and electronic equipment applications are exempt from RoHS, such as medical devices and control equipment. RoHS also includes many specific exemptions, for example, mercury in certain fluorescent lights and lead and cadmium in specific applications.

Review
Today the RoHS directive is under review. A first proposal produced by the European Commission does not go far enough. The proposal can and should be improved to increase the benefits in terms of consumer health and the environment. Major issues include: a general introduction of halogen compounds; reducing the number of exemptions; and making it easier for authorities to verify compliance.

ChemSec is actively engaged in monitoring and influencing the review of the RoHS directive and is a leading participant in a broad coalition representing major EEE producers and NGOs.

Substances restricted by the RoHS directive
- Lead
- Mercury 
- Cadmium
- Hexavalent chromium
- Polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) 
- Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE)

Maximum concentration of 0,1 % by weight for all substances will be allowed except for cadmium where 0,01 % by weight is allowed.