On May 21, 2024, the European Commission published a significant amendment to the EU Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive. In addition to extending the existing exemption for a year, the European Commission introduced a new exemption for cadmium, set to expire in three years.
Cadmium is a restricted substance listed in Annex II to Directive 2011/65/EU. The maximum tolerated concentration value is 0.01 % by weight of cadmium in homogenous materials.
Annex III to Directive 2011/65/EU is amended as follows:
|
SI NO |
ENTRY |
DESCRIPTION |
EXPIRATION DATE |
|
1 |
39(a) - Replaced Entry |
Cadmium selenide in downshifting cadmium-based semiconductor nanocrystal quantum dots for use in display lighting applications (< 0.2 µg Cd per mm² of display screen area) |
|
|
2 |
39(b) – Newly Inserted Entry |
Cadmium in downshifting semiconductor nanocrystal quantum dots directly deposited on LED semiconductor chips for use in display and projection applications (< 5 µg Cd per mm² of LED chip surface) with a maximum amount per device of 1 mg |
Expires for all categories on 31 December 2027
|
By Delegated Directive (EU) 2017/1975 (2), the Commission granted an exemption for the use of cadmium selenide in downshifting semiconductor nanocrystal quantum dots for use in display lighting applications (‘the current exemption’), which is listed in entry 39(a) of Annex III to Directive 2011/65/EU. The exemption was to expire on 31 October 2019. The proposed new expiration date will be 21 November 2025 for all categories.
The evaluation found many alternatives to 'on-chip' technology for displays, but was nonreliable for micro displays so far, meeting Directive 2011/65/EU Article 5(1)(a). 'On-chip' configurations use less cadmium, especially in liquid crystal displays, and are more energy-efficient, providing environmental benefits that outweigh substitution impacts. The requested exemption limits cadmium concentration per device, reducing market cadmium under current exemptions, fulfilling Directive conditions.
The amendment published in the Official Journal requires EU Member States to adopt and publish this exemption by 31 December 2024. The provisions will apply from 1 January 2025 until the expiration dates:
Feel free to reach out to 1cc for any additional information or guidance on how these changes might impact your specific industry or operations.
Stay informed, stay compliant, and let us work together towards a safer and more sustainable future.