In the last quarter of 2023, hundreds of products were withdrawn from the European market due to their non-conformity with the EU-RoHS Directive. In addition to that, some of the products were also recalled due to non-conformity with the EU-POPs (Persistent Organic Pollutants) Regulation, or the EU-REACH Regulation.

The RoHS Directive, or the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive, is a European Union regulation that restricts the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). RoHS aims to minimize the environmental impact of electronic products and reduce the health risks associated with the use of hazardous materials. The directive sets limits on the presence of specific substances in electrical and electronic equipment, including lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls (PBB), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) and four phthalates (DEHP, BBP, DBP, DIBP).

The recall on equipment was communicated via the EU Safety Gate portal. Some of the equipment recalled included: remote controls, LED lamps, LED spotlights, flashlight, USB chargers and cables, digital watches, electrical key finder, computer mouses, headphones and wireless headphones. The most frequent non-compliance issue was subject to the lead concentration that exceeded the allowed limits mainly in solders, as well as, phthalates such as, DEHP or DBP in plastic materials or rubbers. The recall of products has serious implications for companies involved.

Manufacturers, importers and distributors are required to ensure their products comply with the RoHS regulations upon placing them on the European market. The directive plays a crucial role in promoting the production of environmentally friendly and safer electronic devices within the European Union.

1cc would be pleased to help you ascertain compliance with the RoHS requirements for your electrical or electronic equipment, or materials and components you supply for such equipment.