Gelsenkirchen, July 1, 2006
July 1, 2006 is an important deadline for manufacturers of electrical equipment. From this day on, only appliances whose individual components may not contain lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), chromium VI (Cr 6+), polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) {exception Deca-BDE as flame retardant in polymers} in concentrations above 0.1% by weight and cadmium in concentrations above 0.01% by weight may be put into circulation. These requirements originate from the directive which has been implemented in the ElektroG since March 23, 2005. The aim of this law is waste avoidance and reduction of harmful substances in electrical and electronic equipment.
Due to intensive customer contacts, Masterflex AG has recognized this situation and can confirm conformity with RoHS for all products with a few exceptions. Further regulations regarding ingredients of concern are currently being processed.
Overview of the directives:
- 2000/53/EC End-of-life vehicles (vehicle recycling): prohibited: Pb {lead}, Cr(VI) {chromium-6} (except for anti-corrosion coatings), Hg {mercury}, Cd {cadmium}
- 2002/95/EU RoHS (electrical equipment): Pb, Cr (VI), Hg, Cd, PBB {polybrominated biphenyls} and PBDE {polybrominated diphenyl ethers} may no longer be used as of 1.6.2006
- 2002/96/EU WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment): selective collection of PCB {Polychlorinated Biphenyls} /PCT {Polychlorinated Terphenyls} - and plastics containing brominated flame retardants à declaration of these additives
- 2000/20037 EC Ozone Regulation: CFCs, other fully and partially halogenated chlorofluorocarbons, halons, tetra, 1,1,1-trichloroethane
- 2003/11/EC Substance Restriction Directive: pentabromodiphenyl ether, octabromodiphenyl ether must be declared, may not be used in quantities exceeding 0.1%.
- GADSL list, before that ILRS list, before that VDA guideline (comes from the automotive industry, IMDS): 85 substances, declarable or prohibited from a content of >0.1%, includes all regulations or standards listed so far
If you have any questions about the content or applicability of such regulations to specific applications, the experts at Masterflex AG will be happy to provide information: