RoHS is an abbreviation for “Restriction of (the use of certain) Hazardous Substances”. In accordance with the European Union’s RoHS directive, the restriction relates to the use of such substances in electrical and electronic equipment. Its objective is to protect human health and the environment.
Directive 2011/65/EU lists the following RoHS-regulated substances:
- Lead
- Mercury
- Cadmium
- Hexavalent chromium
- PBB – Polybrominated biphenyls (flame-retardant or plasticiser)
- PBDE – Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (flame retardant)
Delegated Directive (EU) 2015/863 has added four plasticisers to this list:
- DEHP – Bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate
- BBP – Butyl benzyl phthalate
- DBP – Dibutyl phthalate
- DIBP – Diisobutyl phthalate
The RoHS directive defines the limit values for the proportion of the ten substances in all homogeneous materials for electrical and electronic equipment. Accordingly, no materials may be used that have a greater proportion than 0.1 percent by weight of each of the substances mentioned (cadmium: 0.01 percent by weight).
What does the RoHS directive mean for WIKA instruments?
For electrical and electronic products from WIKA, RoHS conformity is part of the EU declaration of conformity. It is considered an included requirement for affixing the CE marking. That means: WIKA instruments with the CE marking meet the basic protection requirements in accordance with the EU RoHS.
Worldwide regulations for RoHS
RoHS now exists worldwide. Some regulations apply nationally, others are country-specific. For example, the China RoHS applies to all electrical and electronic equipment brought onto the market in China. To identify the affected products, the China RoHS labels (in different colours) are applied to the product label. You can find out what this should look like in the case of WIKA instruments, for example, in the article “RoHS marking and certificates”. However, the non-European regulations deviate from those of the EU, which have the strictest stipulations to date.
Note
You can download Directive 2011/65/EU and Delegated Directive (EU) 2015/863 from the EU website EUR-Lex. You can get an overview of electrical and electronic instruments from WIKA on the WIKA website, standard products are also available in the WIKA online shop. If you have any questions, your contact will gladly help you.