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RoHS is closely related to the European Union's directive 2002/96/EC on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). RoHS references Annex 1A of WEEE to specify its scope of coverage (Categories 1-7 and 10). RoHS does not require any specific product labeling, however many manufacturers have adopted their own compliance marks to reduce confusion. Visual indicators in use today include explicit "RoHS compliant" labels, green leaves, check marks, and "PB-Free" markings. RoHS-type legislation is now being introduced in many parts of the world often with differing obligations. The EU has reviewed the original RoHS Directive and many significant changes are being proposed.
ROHS has grown steadily and now, over 40 years later, has matured with a wealth of experience gained over those years. The present qualified professional staff work closely with member companies to provide occupational health and safety expertise, and their knowledge contributes to each company establishing safe working practices and a safe working environment for the company?s employees within the guidelines of numerous regulations and EU directives. RoHS restricts the use of 6 materials. One of the 6 restricted materials is Pb. RoHS compliant parts will be designated with an "E" within the body of the part number. Non compliant part numbers will remain active throughout this changeover.
| China takes a different course. Instead of exempting a few industries, China will publish a catalog of equipment covered under its RoHS regulations, while Korea closely follows the EU RoHS example.
China, Japan, Canada, and individual states within the US also have studies and plan to pass similar legislation to the EU’s Directive.
WEEE (Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment) regulates the recycling of electrical and electronic equipment as scrap. WEEE attacks the problem at the end of a products life cycle by encouraging recycling and making manufacturers responsible for the collection and disposal of the products they produce.
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