Introduction to the RoHS Directive

The RoHS (Restriction of use of Hazardous Substances) legislation covers the restriction of lead and other potentially hazardous substances used in electrical and electronic equipment. Known as Directive 2002/95/EC, it will be enforced throughout the EU from 1st July 2006.  Its purpose is very clear – to restrict the use of six substances within electrical and electronic equipment (EEE), thereby contributing to the protection of human health and the environment. For many this is a considerable environmental challenge.

Whereas the WEEE directive sets minimum levels for recycling that must be met but may be exceeded, RoHS is very explicit about which substances should be restricted and the precise levels that may be tolerated.

Although RoHS is an EU Directive, manufacturers of EEE outside Europe must also abide by this legislation if the equipment they produce is ultimately imported into an EU member state for use in Europe. The definition and interpretation of the Directive should not vary across EU member countries, so companies which have achieved RoHS certification are able to distribute throughout this economic area.

As required for compliance to the RoHS Directive, as a first step (and before certification) all producers must be registered.  From November 23rd 2005, it will be illegal to sell certain electrical and electronic equipment into Germany if the producer has not completed formal registration there.

The RoHS directive is valid for the following products:

• household appliances
• information technology and telecommunication equipment
• consumer electronics
• lighting fittings
• electrical tools
• Toys
• sports and leisure equipment
• vending machines
• filament lamps

SGS has 24 accredited RoHS laboratories worldwide and 1,000 specialists in this field, providing RoHS services to ensure that the E&E industry has the requisite independent data for a RoHS compliance declaration to be granted. An integrated reliable evaluation of RoHS conformity within the framework of product testing and certification provides legal security and improves your market presence and recognition. We are able to

• Identify the substances for which RoHS conformity is required
• Verify documents furnishing evidence of RoHS conformity in the supply chain (such as manufacturers' statements, quality assurance agreements, analytical results, General Terms and Conditions)
• Analyse the homogeneous substances with chemical methods in accredited chemical laboratories
• Provide XRF screening method and consulting
• Verify and interpret hazardous substance analysis and test results carried out by other laboratories (interpret test results)
• Issue a RoHS certificate for homogenous material and electrical components

The benefits of our RoHS Programme
The SGS RoHS Programme helps manufacturers, retailers and suppliers mitigate the risk of non-compliance to global and national restricted substances regulations. With a proven track record in product safety certification compiled over more than 80 years, SGS provides a respected third-party source to help clients monitor their supply chains and self-declare compliance with confidence.