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:

Soldering day highlights
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
JAPAN UNIX has published a new event report and highlight video from their UNIX SOLDERING DAY 2026 in Hungary. This event reflects on their commitment to supporting manufacturers not only through soldering automation systems, but also through technical education, live demonstrations, hands-on training, and practical engineering know-how.

Read more...

---

Clearing the Static: Electrostatic Discharge
Actum Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
A cordless ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) wrist strap does not work by grounding the person in the same way as a traditional wired wrist strap. Instead, it works by reducing or balancing the static charge on your body so that you are less likely to discharge electricity into sensitive electronic components.

Read more...

---

Engineering trust in South Africa’s SMT sector
ZETECH ONE Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
From a small Johannesburg start-up to a trusted SMT technology partner, Zetech One has spent four decades helping South African electronics manufacturers improve production quality, efficiency and reliability.

Read more...

---

The new reality of PCB material supply
Jemstech Editor's Choice Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
How resilient manufacturing strategies are helping OEMs navigate a changing global supply chain.

Read more...

---

Streamlining Device Programming with the AutoBee-D1
Vepac Electronics Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
The AutoBee-D1 desktop automated programmer is designed to simplify the programming of devices, while delivering consistent accuracy, high throughput and reduced manual intervention.

Read more...

---

Zero PFAS die attach paste
Testerion Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
With silver price volatility increasing and sustainability requirements accelerating across semiconductor assembly, MacDermid Alpha Electronics Solutions introduces ATROX CD 560-1, a zero per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) alternate silver filler die attach paste.

Read more...

---

Precision jet printing for advanced PCB designs
MyKay Tronics Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Mycronic’s BA 01 small dot ejector delivers unmatched precision in solder paste jet printing for advanced PCB designs.

Read more...

---

Strengthening local electronics manufacturing through investment and innovation
Microtronix Manufacturing Editor's Choice Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Microtronix South Africa cements its commitment to local manufacturing with ongoing investments in production capacity, skills development, and job creation.

Read more...

---

Polypropylene pole-top boxes support smarter, more secure electricity networks
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services Enclosures, Racks, Cabinets & Panel Products
As South Africa accelerates the rollout of smart prepaid electricity metering, innovative enclosure technology from Power Process Systems (PPS) is helping utilities improve network security, reduce electricity theft and protect critical electrical infrastructure.

Read more...

---

200 W of power in a space-saving design
Vepac Electronics Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
The Hakko FX-972 Soldering Station delivers high-performance soldering in a compact package, making it suitable for a wide range of soldering applications.

Read more...

---