The European Commission has published draft renewal decisions for several Annex III exemptions under the EU RoHS Directive, impacting critical exemptions such as 7(a), 7(c)-I, 7(c)-II, 6(a), 6(b), and 6(c).

🔍 Key Updates:

Exemption 7(a) (Lead in high-melting temperature solder) – Extended in its current form until Dec 31, 2026, with specific applications granted further extensions until Dec 31, 2027 under new sub-exemptions 7(a)-I to 7(a)-VII.

Exemption 7(c)-I: Extended until Dec 31, 2026, with new sub-exemptions 7(c)-V and 7(c)-VI valid until Dec 31, 2027.

Exemption 7(c)-II: Will remain in force until Dec 31, 2027.

Exemption 6(a) & 6(b): Not renewed; will expire 12 months after the final delegated directive is adopted. However, Exemption 6(a)-I will split into 6(a)-I and 6(a)-II, both valid until Dec 31, 2026.

Exemptions 6(b)-I & 6(b)-II: Will not be renewed for product categories 1-7 and 10, with phase-out timelines of 12-18 months post-adoption. However, they remain valid for category 9 (industrial monitoring & control equipment) and category 11 until Dec 31, 2026.

Exemption 6(c): Extended until Dec 31, 2026.

Additionally, a new exemption 6(b)-III has been introduced, expiring on Dec 31, 2026, covering product categories 1-8, 9 (excluding industrial monitoring & control equipment), and 10.

For more details Check the link below:

• Lead as an alloying element in steel, aluminum, and copper: 6(a), 6(a)-I, 6(b), 6(b)-I, 6(b)-II, 6(c)
• Lead in glass or ceramic: 6(a), 6(a)-I, 6(b), 6(b)-I, 6(b)-II, 6(c)

What This Means for Industry

• Stricter future restrictions – The shorter renewal periods signal a tighter regulatory environment, pushing companies to accelerate material substitution.
• Compliance risks – Manufacturers using lead in metals, solder, or components must assess their supply chains now to mitigate future risks.
• Time-sensitive action required – Companies relying on these exemptions must act fast—either apply for renewals or transition to lead-free alternatives.
  
  

💬 How is your organization preparing for these changes?