About RoHS enforcement

20 September 2006 Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services

On 1 July 2006 the Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2006 implementing the European Directive came fully into force. These regulations restrict the use of lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium, PBE and PBDE in electronic and electrical equipment covered by the regulations.

Producers and importers into the European Union are responsible for ensuring that their products comply with the regulations and that they maintain evidence of that compliance for inspection by the enforcement authority.

The RoHS Enforcement Authority in the UK (www.rohs.gov.uk) has begun enforcement of the regulations since the coming into force and has already been working closely with trade associations, quality systems organisations and individual companies providing advice and support on the interpretation of the regulations. Enforcement is broadly following the guidance developed by the European Enforcement Bodies Network.

An enforcement guidance document can be found on the website of the RoHS Enforcement Authority at www.rohs.gov.uk in the links section called RoHS Enforcement Guidance - May 06. This document complements the organisation's policy of trying to help those that are aiming to comply, and to pursue vigorously those that intend to flout compliance with the regulations.

To find out if a product needs to comply with the RoHS requirements, a useful 'Decision Tree' section (www.rohs.gov.uk/DecisionTree.aspx) on the RoHS website can be referred to. This tree leads one through a number of questions and decides on whether the product is required to comply with RoHS requirements or not. The advice contained is based on the best and most up to date information available to the group at the time. However, it is a live document and will continue to change as the organisation receives feedback and/or clarification from the regulators.

Further reading:

Understanding solder paste viscosity and thixotropy
Truth Electronic Manufacturing Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
A solder paste’s viscosity and thixotropic properties, a measure of its resistance to flow, influence its performance in different production environments.

Read more...

---

Global electronics trade in an age of disruption
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Governments should invest in domestic strengths, coordinate with international partners, and align trade and industrial policy with the realities of a globally connected electronics sector.

Read more...

---

The new tool design of IWISS
Startech Industrial Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Rooted in IWISS’ dedication to reliability, comfort, and efficiency, the company’s new design refresh elevates craftsmanship by incorporating a rich cultural influence.

Read more...

---

Strategic collaboration to advance industrial robotics training in South Africa
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Yaskawa Southern Africa has announced a strategic collaboration with Sol-Tech, a private vocational training institution based in Pretoria, to strengthen technical education in industrial robotics.

Read more...

---

Filling high-end PCB manufacturing gaps to accelerate AI electronics growth
PCBWay Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
[Sponsored] In the digital era, AI and big data technologies are developing at a rapid pace. PCBWay is continuously advancing its PCB manufacturing technology to support the growth.

Read more...

---

Microtronix revives defunct cell phone plant
Microtronix Manufacturing Editor's Choice Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
In a significant move for South Africa’s struggling electronics manufacturing sector, local technology firm Microtronix has breathed new life into a formerly defunct cell phone manufacturing facility.

Read more...

---

Manufacturing with purpose
Production Logix Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
How Production Logix is setting a new benchmark for high-reliability, locally manufactured electronics.

Read more...

---

Recent purchase of Seica Flying Probe tester
ZETECH ONE Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Zetech One recently supplied a Seica Flying Probe tester to Etion Create for use in the development and manufacture of its electronic solutions.

Read more...

---

Why accurate PCB measurement is critical for quality control and inspection
ZETECH ONE Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Accurate inspection of dimensions, hole placement, and track layout plays a vital role in meeting product standards across consumer, telecom, aerospace, and medical devices.

Read more...

---

Compact but powerful soldering system
Truth Electronic Manufacturing Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
The Economy SIG is EPM’s compact wave soldering solution, designed to bring professional-grade soldering capabilities to small and medium-scale electronics producers.

Read more...

---