What are the six harmful substances certified for ROHS testing? RoHS lists a total of six harmful substances, including lead Pb, cadmium Cd, mercury Hg, hexavalent chromium Cr6+, polybrominated diphenyl ether PBDE, and polybrominated biphenyl PBB.

RoHS Standard 2005/618/EC Resolution. What are the limits for the six harmful substances? The maximum allowable content of lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), hexavalent chromium (Cr6+), polybrominated biphenyls (PBB), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) is 0.1% (1000ppm), and cadmium (cd) is 0.01% (100ppm). This limit is the legal basis for determining whether products comply with the RoHS Directive. RoHS standard testing covers the product range.


The RoHS directive covers a wide range of products, covering almost all electronic, electrical, medical, communication, toy, security information and other products. It not only includes the complete machine product, but also includes the components, raw materials, and packaging used in the production of the complete machine, which is related to the entire production chain.


Deca BDE (Deca BDE): On April 1, 2008, the European Court of Justice revoked the RoHS directive for Deca BDE, which was originally an exemption item, and will begin control after July 1. The main reason for this was that the European Court deemed that the report provided by the Executive Committee did not examine the possibility of other substances replacing Deca BDE and the potential adverse effects of other substitute substances, and ruled that the exemption was revoked due to administrative procedural negligence.

However, Sweden, which actively participates in EU risk assessment research, announced on May 8th the lifting of the original law restricting Deca-BDE. The Swedish government banned the use of Deca-BDE in textile products, furniture, and cables on January 1, 2007. However, due to challenges in EU law and the lack of any significant risk reasons identified in Deca-BDE's 10-year risk assessment report, the ban was lifted.


The European Commission is currently evaluating how to avoid the issue of RoHS directive courts revoking exemptions from Deca-BDE and conflicting risk assessment results. The Norwegian government announced in January 2008 that it would begin restricting the use of Deca-BDE in April. As Norway is a member of the European Economic Area (EEA), this decision has also received considerable opposition from the industry.

Latest information on EU RoHS and WEEE directives for 2008

On March 19 and 20, 2008, the European Union published multiple revised directives in the Official Gazette, including the directive on batteries, energy consuming products, waste cars, electrical and electronic equipment waste (WEEE), and the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). Regarding the amendment granting the European Commission multiple enforcement powers, manufacturers exporting electrical and electronic equipment to the European Union should pay particular attention, as it can reveal potential measures that the EU may take in the future.


Directive 2008/34/EC amending Directive 2002/96/EC (WEEE Directive) on waste from electrical and electronic equipment allows the European Commission to amend the annexes of the WEEE Directive to include provisions on treatment technologies. The European Commission may modify the WEEE Directive due to technological advancements to include home lighting equipment, filament bulbs, and optoelectronic products (such as solar panels) in the list of products covered by the WEEE Directive. Directive 2008/34/EC stipulates that the European Commission must consult industry opinions before revising annexes.

Directive 2008/35/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 2002/95/EC on the restriction of toxic substances contained in electrical and electronic equipment, empowering the European Commission to make certain necessary revisions to the annexes to align with technological development. In addition, the European Commission has just completed an industry consultation on the RoHS Directive, regarding the revision of the exemption for toxic substances contained in the Annex to the Directive. According to Article 5 (1) (c) of the RoHS Directive, the Commission must review each exempted substance listed in the Annex at least every 4 years. If the restricted substance can be used or has other alternatives, the Commission may consider removing it from the current exempted substance. Due to the RoHS directive coming into effect on July 1, 2006, the European Commission will review the annexes by 2010 or before.