RoHS Material List

What Is the RoHS Material List?

The Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) material list is part of the broader RoHS Directive that sets out the rules and regulations for using harmful materials in electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). The list specifies ten toxic substances that are restricted due to their potential risks to human health and the environment.

Overview of the RoHS directive

The EU RoHS Directive 2002/95/EC, which came into effect in 2006, initially restricted six substances to reduce the environmental and health impact of associated products and improve recyclability. RoHS 2 (2011/65/EU) came into effect on January 2, 2013, expanding the directive’s scope to include all EEE, unless specifically exempt.

The latest version, RoHS 3 (2015/863/EU), took effect on July 22, 2019. It introduced four phthalates to the restricted substances list.

Restricted substances and thresholds on the material list

RoHS sets strict limits on certain hazardous substances used in manufacturing EEE. These substances must not exceed a specific percentage by weight, otherwise known as the maximum concentration value (MCV). If the amount of a restricted substance in any homogeneous material — a material with a consistent composition throughout that cannot be mechanically separated into different materials — goes beyond this limit, it is considered non-compliant.

Core substances

The original RoHS directive restricted these six hazardous substances for their toxicity and environmental risks:

Lead (Pb) is commonly used in soldering and electronic components. It can cause serious health issues, including neurological damage, especially in children. The RoHS limit is 0.1% by weight.
Cadmium (Cd) is used in batteries, coatings, and pigments and is highly toxic and classified as a carcinogen. Its MCV is set at 0.01% by weight, making it the most restricted of the core substances.
Mercury (Hg), limited to 0.1% by weight, is found in switches, relays, and fluorescent lamps. Exposure can lead to neurological disorders.
Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is used for corrosion resistance in coatings and metal plating. It poses serious health risks, including being carcinogenic. Its MCV is set at 0.1% by weight.
Polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) are flame retardants found in the plastics used in EEE. These are persistent in the environment and harmful to human health. The RoHS limit is 0.1% by weight.
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) are another class of flame retardants used in electronic enclosures and circuit boards that have been linked to endocrine disruption and developmental problems. The usage limit is 0.1% by weight.

Additional substances in RoHS 3

RoHS 3, introduced in 2015, added four phthalates to the restricted substances list. These are used as plasticizers in cables, coatings, and flexible plastics but are known to cause reproductive and developmental harm.

Four phthalates (DEHP, BBP, DBP, DIBP)

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is used to make flexible plastics, specifically vinyl products. It can cause reproductive harm and may hinder fetal development.
Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) is found in cables, coatings, and adhesives, and makes PVC more flexible. It is a potential endocrine disruptor and may affect reproductive health.
Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) is used in resins, cables, and coatings and is linked to hormonal disruptions.
Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP), similar to DBP, is used in adhesives and insulation materials for EEE. It is especially dangerous to the male reproductive system.

Aside from risks to human health, these chemicals also contribute to environmental pollution. Their use must not exceed a concentration of 0.1% of the total weight.

Reasons for substances being included

Each substance on the RoHS material list was chosen based on its toxicity, environmental impact, and bioaccumulation potential. These substances pose significant health risks to humans, including neurological syndromes, cancer, and reproductive damage. They also contaminate soil and water, affecting ecosystems and wildlife. By restricting these materials, RoHS promotes the safer disposal and recycling of EEE.

Affected industries

RoHS compliance impacts a wide range of industries that manufacture, distribute, or sell EEE. These include:

Consumer electronics: Cellphone, laptop, and gaming console manufacturers.
Household appliances: Manufacturers of large and small appliances like washing machines and refrigerators.
Medical devices: Scanners and diagnostic equipment vendors, with certain exemptions.
Automotive electronics: Manufacturers of sensors, displays, and control modules.
Telecommunications: Producers of routers, circuit boards, and other devices essential for data transmission and connectivity.
Industrial equipment: Companies producing robotics, automation systems, and power tools.
Sports and leisure equipment: Makers of remote-controlled toys, e-bikes, and fitness trackers.